About West

Recognized for legislative and health advocacy work at the national and local level to help improve the health of Blacks and other communities of color, Fredette West is the founder of the African American Health Alliance (AAHA) and of FDWest Network Associates, each of which are committed to the elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in health and healthcare, and to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all. West also chairs the Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Coalition. With considerable experience in Legislative Branch and Executive Branch of government, West worked many years on Capitol Hill -- among jobs held: Chief of Staff, CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) Health Braintrust Coordinator, and Associate Staff for House Labor-HHS-Ed Appropriations. Work in executive branch includes serving as Budget Officer of the National Eye Institute and as the Financial Management Officer of the National Library of Medicine.

West was the lead staff strategist and negotiator in developing and helping the CBC create and champion record funding for the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative, and in achieving the renowned Presidential Tuskegee Apology. Work has also including helping to obtain record funding for health, education and employment training programs.

During the Clinton Administrations, West was at the center of countless healthcare policy battles and accomplishments. West, also, has drafted national legislation, funding and policy measures ranging from those on health to those on education and employment. She was honored for her outstanding contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS – receiving the designation “Hero in the Struggle” by the African American AIDS Policy and Training Institute; awarded the CBC’s Hero’s in Healthcare award; and earned the “Heroes in Healthcare” awarded jointly by the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Native American Caucus, and Congressional Asian and Pacific American Caucus. West serves on a number of boards.