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Oral Health Newsletter Volume 15
Meet Jeni Vala: The Heart of the Oral Health Section
The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Oral Health Section recently welcomed Jeni Vala as its administrative assistant. With more than a decade of experience working for the state, Jeni brings a wealth of knowledge, an enthusiasm for organization, and a deep commitment to public health. Her role is vital to the team, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication across projects. Jeni’s journey began in 2014 with roles at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. At IEMA, she gained valuable experience in inter-agency collaboration during state emergencies, which sparked her interest in public health. This led her to the Oral Health Section, where she now works to promote long-term healthy behaviors across Illinois. “I love working with an agency and team that aligns with my personal goals,” Jeni says.
In her current role, Jeni manages schedules, organizes communications, and supports key initiatives, such as the School-Based Oral Health project and the Illinois Fluoridation Reporting System. Her attention to detail and collaborative spirit makes her an indispensable team member. Jeni enjoys working closely with her colleagues, contributing to tangible improvements in oral health across the state. “Our collective efforts make these projects successful,” she notes.
Jeni’s passion for oral health is inspired by her experiences with orthodontics during her teenage years, sparking a fascination with the field. She is particularly excited to contribute to the Illinois Oral Health Surveillance Brief and deepen her understanding of oral health systems. Her dedication to advocating for accessible care and raising awareness about oral health is evident in her daily work.
Outside of her professional life, Jeni is an avid reader with diverse interests, from neuroscience to psychological thrillers. Her curiosity about human behavior complements her public health work, where understanding people's needs is key. She advises newcomers in the field, encouraging them to “give yourself grace and room to breathe.” Jeni’s positive attitude and problem-solving approach are already making a lasting impact on the Oral Health Section, and she looks forward to contributing to the community's well-being.
Bridging Smiles: Megan Reutter's Mission with IFLOSS
Megan Reutter and the Illinois Friends Leading Oral Health Success and Sustainability (IFLOSS) Board of Directors are working to reinvigorate the Illinois oral health coalition. A key initiative is updating the Illinois Oral Health Plan. “IFLOSS has historically taken the lead on state oral health plans,” Megan shared. This project strongly emphasizes community engagement and stakeholder input as the next iteration of the plan is developed.
A cornerstone of their approach is organizing regional in-person meetings across the state to engage stakeholders, gather insights, and foster collaboration. “The regional meetings are where we truly connect with the community,” Megan said. “Their input shapes our strategies and ensures our plans address real needs.”
IFLOSS addresses disparities in access and education by identifying underserved communities and working with local providers. Initiatives include mobile dental clinics, school-based programs, and partnerships with local health organizations to improve access to care and overall health outcomes.
Looking ahead, Megan remains optimistic about the future of oral health in Illinois. She believes that continued collaboration and community-driven solutions will lead to sustainable improvements. “When we listen to the people we serve, we create plans that truly make a difference and pave the way for a healthier Illinois,” she said.
In addition to conducting the Oral Health Plan, IFLOSS also wants to maintain the annual Oral Health Conference to bring together stakeholders across the state. Moving forward, the priority areas of IFLOSS will be primarily dictated by the goals and objectives identified in the oral health plan to address health disparities.
For more information about IFLOSS, the Illinois Oral Health Plan, and other initiatives, visit www.ifloss.org
A Community Health Worker (CHW) from Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services
Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services (GAHHS) is a grantee of the Oral Health Promotion Program (OHPP), funded by the Title V Program. Monica Dunn from the Oral Health Section (OHS) works closely with Amanda McKeon, director of grants administration at GAHHS, and Stephanie Evans, a dedicated community health worker (CHW).
GAHHS is committed to excellence in community-based health care and employs more than 800 individuals. Recently, the organization expanded its focus by incorporating a community health worker to support and advance its Oral Health Community Goals.
Stephanie Evans, MS, CLC, BFPC, CHW, currently works within the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at GAHHS and works with families to educate and promote proper oral health care. Families can receive free dental supplies, fluoride treatments, and referrals to the GAHHS Dental Clinic within the WIC clinic. Stephanie has continued the educational component by incorporating and visiting schools, engaging the students in interactive classroom activities, and singing “Brush your Teeth” with her favorite puppet friend, “Finny,” the shark. Interactive classroom activities have given students a hands-on approach to promoting proper brushing habits. After her visit, educators are provided with a file of electronic dental activities that can be utilized for further education within the classroom. Local support from school educators, school nurses, social workers, and guidance counselors has played an integral part in distributing dental supplies and educational materials.
Through grant support, Stephanie Evans has earned a certificate in an oral health-focused course for CHWs. She has been applying that education to oral health initiatives that engage the community, increase individual health education, and provide navigation assistance to improve access to care—all contributing to better oral health outcomes. Integrating CHWs like Stephanie into GAHHS’s oral health initiatives marks a meaningful step in improving the community's oral health landscape. It reinforces the importance of recognizing oral health as vital to overall wellness.
We hope that Amanda and Stephanie’s efforts will inspire you.
Contact Amanda (amanda_mckeon@gibsonhospital.org), Stephanie (stephanie_evans@gibsonhospital.org), or DPH.OralHealth@illinois.gov if you are interested in learning more about an oral health-focused course for community health workers.
Upcoming Webinar: Interdisciplinary Workflows for Behavioral Health and Oral Health in an FQHC Setting
When: 3/18/2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST
Registration: https://member.iphca.org/Member/Web/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=IWBH2025
Continuing Education: 1.0 CE provided for the health care team including dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants/associates, psychologists, registered dietitians, and social workers.
This presentation will describe the interdisciplinary care plans provided by an Illinois federally qualified health center (FQHC) to improve patients’ oral health and overall health care. It will also describe the connection and provide best practices for integration while covering evidence-based approaches to assessment, intervention, and interprofessional collaboration.
This webinar will focus on:
- How to implement ID projects in Behavioral Health and Addiction (Staffing, model, etc.) within a primary care setting
- How to implement ID projects in oral health (Staffing, model, etc.)
- How to improve interdisciplinary communication: being co-located does not always ensure interdisciplinary care
*CEU Information 1.0
In support of improving patient care, this activity was planned and implemented by the Illinois Primary Health Care Association and Moses/Weitzman Health System and its Weitzman Institute and is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the health care team. Additional CE credits are available for dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants/associates, psychologists, registered dietitians, and social workers.
