Dana Petersen

Dana Petersen evaluates the impact of health and human services programs and community-building initiatives on early education, development, and health outcomes for children and families. Her work focuses on projects related to the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), children’s health care services, and reduction of racial and ethnic health disparities.

Petersen currently serves as deputy project director for an evaluation of an action plan, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes by improving health care quality and access, building the capacity of the health workforce, and advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.  She also leads the qualitative data collection and analysis component for a national evaluation of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2009 Quality Demonstration Grant Program, in which 18 states are using quality measurement and reporting, health information technology, and provider-based delivery models to improve children’s health care in Medicaid and CHIP. Petersen also is assessing how to improve PCMH research, evaluation, and implementation by providing information on how to implement, evaluate, and refine the PCMH, as well as how to effectively train practice facilitators.

Petersen previously held positions at SRI International, the University of California, Berkeley, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Community Partners, and Plan International.

Petersen holds a Ph.D. in health services and policy analysis from the University of California at Berkeley.