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Enrollment in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program will be temporarily paused effective July 1, 2023.

Enrollment in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS) program will be temporarily paused effective Nov. 6, 2023.

Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Dana Kelly, HFS Chief of Staff

Dana Kelly, Chief of Staff

Dana Kelly most recently served as Associate Secretary at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), where she oversaw strategy and program development for IDHS programming related to disability services, mental health, state operated facility operations, and community violence prevention. Prior to becoming Associate Secretary, Dana served as Chief Policy Officer at IDHS, where she managed the development and implementation of strategic initiatives ranging from violence prevention services to internal workforce transformation efforts. During her time at IDHS she served as a key advisor on the Department’s COVID-19 response, including oversight for state operated congregate care settings and implementation of a vaccination program serving internal staff and community members.  Finally, she has served as the State’s liaison to the Illinois Commission on Poverty Elimination and Economic Security for the last 3.5 years, where she has guided the development of the Commission’s poverty alleviation strategy.

Prior to working at IDHS, Dana spent over twelve years working in development, government affairs, and strategy at federally qualified health centers in Chicago, including Christian Community Health Center, Erie Family Health Centers, and Access Community Health Network. Her experience included strategic planning activities, Medicaid managed care planning, hospital partnership development, legislative outreach, communications, and fundraising. Prior to arriving in Chicago, Dana lived in Washington D.C. where she worked in federal affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America and as a congressional staffer for former US Representative Jay Inslee. She holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Western Washington University.

Throughout her career, Dana has dedicated herself to meaningfully impacting in her community by providing strategic insight and innovative solutions to address and alleviate disparities in access to healthcare and human services. She remains focused on driving improvements in the health and social service system that can transform lives, especially for those who are most in need.