DeAnn Gruber

DeAnn Gruber is an Adjunct Professor (Part-Time) in the Department of Community Health Science & Policy at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. She holds a PhD in Social Work from Tulane University (2003), an MSW from Southern University (1991), and a BA in Religious Studies from St. Norbert College (1983). Her research focuses on HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, health disparities, and healthcare policy, with particular attention to marginalized populations such as incarcerated individuals and men who have sex with men (MSM). She has published extensively on topics including PrEP accessibility, telehealth interventions for HIV care, and the impact of chronic diseases on healthcare outcomes.

Her work emphasizes innovative solutions to healthcare access barriers, such as financial incentives for viral suppression and videoconferencing for linkage to care post-incarceration. She has contributed to state-level initiatives like the Louisiana Positive Charge Initiative and the Health Models Program. Gruber is actively involved in public health advocacy through roles at the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), the Louisiana Commission on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, and the Southern AIDS Coalition.

• Education:
• PhD in Social Work, Tulane University, 2003
• MSW, Southern University, 1991
• BA in Religious Studies, St. Norbert College, 1983

Research Interests: Her research spans HIV/AIDS care continuum, healthcare disparities, telehealth applications, and public health interventions targeting infectious diseases. She explores how social determinants (e.g., incarceration, race/ethnicity) influence health outcomes and advocates for data-sharing strategies to optimize care.

Grants & Service: She has led projects on financial incentives for HIV care engagement and evaluated programs like the Health Models Program. Her service includes roles as Professional Service Officer at NASTAD and Vice Chairperson of the Louisiana HIV/AIDS Commission.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in Louisiana’s public health sector and national coalitions addressing HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.