CATALYST ANNUAL SUMMIT - OCTOBER 7-8, 2021 PREMIER SPONSORS - Virginia Health Catalyst
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CATALYST ANNUAL SUMMIT OCTOBER 7-8, 2021 PREMIER SPONSORS
WELCOME TO THE 2021 CATALYST ANNUAL SUMMIT!
Board of Directors
Welcome to the 2021 Virginia Health Catalyst Annual Summit!
Natalie Pennywell, MPH, CHES, Chair
Department of Medical Assistance Services
On behalf of the Catalyst staff and members of the board of directors – we are glad you are
Susie Lee, Vice Chair here and thankful for your willingness to lean in!
Potomac Health Foundation
Each year, the Summit is an opportunity to recharge and refocus. COVID pushed us to hold the
Scott Burnette, Treasurer
Community Memorial Hospital Summit virtually for the second year, but it will not deter our commitment to learn and grow in
pursuit of a healthy Virginia.
Patricia Bonwell, RDH, BSDH, MSG, PhD
Lucy Corr Village and VCU School of Dentistry
This year's Summit is indicative of the moment we are in, both in form and function. We will
Stacy Campbell, MBA embrace the moment while we look toward the future, and celebrate the successes we have
Delta Dental of Virginia
realized amid all the pivots, setbacks, and struggles. Virginia now has a comprehensive adult
Lisette Carbajal dental benefit in Medicaid – thanks to you all for the advocacy and support that made this
Capital One happen!
Denise Claiborne, PhD, RDH
Old Dominion University Over the next two days, we will hear about opportunities to improve Virginians' oral and overall
health. Our discussions and presentations will center on equity, starting with Dr. Bob Russell,
Frank Iuorno, Jr., DDS, MS, PC
who will explore what the future can and should hold for public oral health. Then, a cadre of
West End Orthodontics
experts will share how we can ensure that that equity doesn't happen in a silo, creating a health
Tegwyn Brickhouse, DDS, PhD care system that works for everyone.
VCU School of Dentistry
Paula Masters DrPh, MPH On Friday, Dr. Carlos Smith will discuss the history of racism and its impact on healthcare here
Ballad Health in Virginia. I'm also excited to hear Dr. Sri Vedachalam talk about how we can make water the
trusted, safe beverage of choice for Virginians.
Carole Pratt, DDS
Office of the Commissioner
Each afternoon includes breakout sessions featuring your colleagues and friends discussing
Luciano Ramos
replicable initiatives that have made a difference in the lives of those they serve. All sessions
Unite Us
will be recorded, so you don't have to miss a thing!
Frank Lucia
Delta Dental Virginia
I'm disappointed that we can't be together in person again this year, as the handshakes, hugs,
Chief Executive Officer and serendipitous conversations by the exhibit booths are both fun and impactful, and I am also
Sarah Bedard Holland grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to hear and learn from experts both near and far who are
pushing us towards a healthier, more resilient Virginia.
Contact Us
4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 202
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone 804.269.8720
www.vahealthcatalyst.org
info@vahealthcatalyst.org
Sarah Bedard Holland
Chief Executive Officer
2021 VIRGINIA HEALTH CATALYST
ANNUAL SUMMIT AGENDA
10:00 - 10:05 AM Welcome
Sarah Holland, Virginia Health Catalyst
10:05 - 10:50 AM Keynote: The Future of Public Oral Health Is Equitable
Bob Russell, DDS, MPH, MPA, CPM, FACD, FICD, Iowa Dept. of Public Health
10:50 - 11:00 AM Reflection Room & Rope Line
11:00 - 11:45 AM Keynote: How to Ensure Equity Doesn't Occur in a Silo
Albert Walker III, Richmond Memorial Health Foundation
Dina Garcia, PhD, MPH, VCU School of Medicine
Emily Bowen, DDS, Mountain Empire Community College
Karen Legato, MPS, MSW, Health Brigade
11:45 - 12:45 PM Lunch, Reflection Room & Rope Line
12:45 - 1:35 PM Breakout Sessions
Improving Care for Virginia's LGBTQ Community
Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross, Us Giving Richmond Connections/Black Pride RVA
Gabriel Glissmeyer, LGBT National Cancer Network
Melissa-Irene Jackson, MSW, Virginia League for Planned Parenthood
Leveraging Social Determinants of Health Data to Meet Community Needs
Nancy White, Arlington Free Clinic
Michelle Altman, RN, MSN, MBA, Virginia Hospital Center Pediatrics
Anita Karklins, MSW, Virginia Hospital Center Outpatient Clinic
Michele Fletcher, RN, BSN, PHN, Arlington County Public Health
Dental Workforce Opportunities in Virginia
Sarah Raskin, PhD, MPH, VCU Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs
Scott Wolpin, DMD, Eastern Shore Rural Health System
Frank P. Iuorno Jr., DDS, MS, West End Orthodontics
Brooke Crouch, RDH, Brooke Crouch Dental Consulting
1:35 - 2:00 PM Legislative Champion Award and Closing
Senator George Barker
DAY ONE
2021 VIRGINIA HEALTH CATALYST
ANNUAL SUMMIT AGENDA
10:00 - 10:05 AM Welcome
Sarah Holland, Virginia Health Catalyst
10:05 - 10:50 AM Keynote: The History of Racism in Healthcare
Carlos Smith, DDS, MDiv, FACD, VCU School of Dentistry
10:50 - 11:00 AM Reflection Room & Rope Line
11:00 - 11:45 AM Keynote: Making Water the Beverage of Choice in Virginia
Sridhar Vedachalam, PhD, Environmental Policy Innovation Center
11:45 - 12:45 PM Lunch, Reflection Room & Rope Line
12:45 - 1:35 PM Breakout Sessions
Creating Equitable Policies in Virginia
Ashley Kenneth, MS, The Commonwealth Institute
Freddy Mejia, MSW, The Commonwealth Institute
Chlo'e Edwards, MPP, Voices for Virginia's Children
Emily Griffey, MPP, Voices for Virginia's Children
Promoting Safe Fluoridated Drinking Water in Virginia
Erin Ling, MS, MEPC, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Caitlin Harrah, BSPH, VCU School of Dentistry
Leigh-Anne Krometis, PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines and Oral Health
Shillpa Naavaal, BDS, MS, MPH, VCU School of Dentistry
Kathleen Porter, PhD, RD, University of Virginia
Emily Bowen, DDS, Mountain Empire Community College
1:35 - 2:00 PM Closing Remarks
Tonya Parris-Wilkins, DDS, FAAHD, MAGD, TPW Dental Solutions
DAY TWO
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY ONE
THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC ORAL HEALTH IS EQUITABLE
BOB RUSSELL, DDS, MPH, MPA, CPM, FACD, FICD
Dr. Bobby D. Russell serves as the Public Health Dental Director for the State of Iowa, Department of Public
Health. He joined the organization in 2005. Bobby earned a B.S. degree from Grand Valley State University in
1981, a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loyola University of Chicago in 1988, MPH in Public Health from the
University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2002, MPA in Public Administration in 2019 and Certification
in Public Management CPM, in 2017 from Drake University Graduate College of Business Management and
Public Administration. Bobby resides in Des Moines where he also serves on the Board of Directors and the
Advisory Board of the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP), the Executive Committee of National
Committee of Dentists for Oral Health Equity, the Iowa Hawk-I Advisory Committee, the Free Clinics of Iowa
Advisory Committee, Oral Health Iowa Coalition, and the Lifelong Smiles Dental Coalition.
HOW TO ENSURE EQUITY DOESN'T OCCUR IN A SILO
ALBERT R. WALKER, III, TH. M, M. DIV.
Albert R. Walker, III, serves as Director for Health Equity and Community Engagement for Richmond Memorial
Health Foundation (RMHF). In this role, Albert builds bridges with grantee and community partners and ensures
the Foundation lives into the recommendations of its Equity + Health Fellows. For Albert, his current position is
the perfect culmination of more than 18 years of working at the intersection of community and health equity.
This journey began at Charity Family Life, a non-profit founded by his parents. He later went on to serve as
Community-Academic Liaison at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Society and Health and as
Director of Healthy Communities for Bon Secours Richmond Health System. Albert is a 2019 Fulcrum Fellow at
the Center for Community Investment where he is deepening his expertise in participatory budgeting and
deployment of capital in communities.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY ONE
HOW TO ENSURE EQUITY DOESN'T OCCUR IN A SILO
EMILY KATE BOWEN, DDS
Dr. Bowen graduated from Virginia Tech with an ungraduated degree in biology and chemistry, before
completing graduate work at Clemson University. She received her dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth
University School of Dentistry.Since then, she has served as a faculty member for Mountain Empire Community
College where she is currently the Dental Assisting Program Director in the Department of Health Sciences. As
a native of Southwest Virginia, Emily is focused on improving access to care in the rural Appalachian area. She
serves on multiple public health related committees including Lenowisco Oral Health Coalition, University of
Virginia’s Cancer Center SWVA Community Advisory Board, Virginia HPV Immunization Taskforce, and Virginia
Health Catalyst.
DINA T. GARCÍA, PH.D., M.P.H.
Dina T. García, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Policy at the
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where she directs the Kalpulli Research Group and is also a faculty
affiliate with the iCubed Oral Health Transdisciplinary Core. Her research program examines the social and
structural determinants of oral health inequities with the goal of developing community-based interventions
targeted at different causal pathways. Dr. García was selected for the inaugural cohort of the American
Association for Dental Research (AADR) MIND the Future Program funded by the National Institute of Dental
and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). She is a graduate of the 2016 Linton-Poodry Society for the Advancement
of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Leadership Institute, founder of Cientificas de
Milwaukee, and a 2017 American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media Fellow.
KAREN LEGATO, MPS, MSW
Karen serves as the Executive Director of Health Brigade, formerly known as Fan Free Clinic. She has served
over 30 years in the not-for-profit sector, providing both direct service and administrative leadership. Her
academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech, Master of Pastoral
Studies from Loyola University, and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her
service background includes medical social work, administration, child and family work, education, program
development, project management, facilitation, public speaking and community coalitions and partnership
work. Karen has been acknowledged for her many contributions…from being named Social Worker of the Year
to recognition as One of Richmond’s Health Care Leaders. Health Brigade, under her leadership has received
several awards recognizing its impact in the greater Richmond community.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY ONE
IMPROVING CARE FOR VIRGINIA'S LGBTQ COMMUNITY
REV. DR. LACETTE CROSS
Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross, affectionately called Rev. L, is an activist, faith leader, speaker, facilitator, professor
and nonprofit leader. She has experience helping individuals and communities make connections across
difference around topics such as race, gender, equity, sexuality, spirituality, justice, and leadership. Rev. L is
the co-founder of Us Giving Richmond Connections/Black Pride RVA, pastor of Restoration Fellowship RVA, an
adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, and works in philanthropy as a State Strategic Advisor.
She was an OUTStanding Virginian in 2019 and a YWCA Outstanding Woman in 2020 for Human Relations and
Faith in Action. Rev. L is dedicated to helping people, doing justice and building community.
GABRIEL GLISSMEYER
Gabriel is a Project Specialist at the National LGBT Cancer Network and is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. His
work focuses on LGBTQ tobacco initiatives and helping build and organize coalitions. For over 10 years Gabriel
has worked in tobacco prevention and cessation and LGBTQ exercise science. He received his Bachelor’s
degree in Exercise Science from Augsburg University and is currently working on his Masters of Public Health
at Utah State University. Gabriel is passionate about LGBTQ health, reducing health disparities, and increasing
scientific literacy. In his free time, Gabriel enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling. Gabriel is a black Ashkenazi
Jew that identifies as trans and queer.
MELISSA-IRENE JACKSON, MSW
Melissa-Irene Jackson, MSW is a body image, eating disorder, and LGBT advocate with more than ten years of
experience. Her work includes federal policy advocacy, sharing her own story of recovery, and a critical
analysis of inclusion through scholarship, personal narrative, and spoken word. She earned her Master’s
Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2018. In her program, she worked as a
clinician for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She is also pursuing her LCSW and recently
started a psychotherapy residency with a small local practice. Melissa-Irene joined the Virginia League for
Planned Parenthood in 2018, managing the day-to-day operations of VLPP’s transgender health program and
providing administrative support to the affiliate. During this time, she has also participated in a variety of
initiatives with the national office for developing trauma-informed practice, health equity, and federation-wide
standards for gender-affirming care. She is passionate about patient advocacy, addressing implicit biases in
healthcare systems, and collaborating with clients to help them exercise bodily autonomy and self-
determination.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY ONE
LEVERAGING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH DATA TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS
NANCY WHITE
Nancy White is president of Arlington Free Clinic. As president, Nancy leads a multi-disciplinary medical home
for a population of over 1,600 ethnically diverse and mostly low-literacy individuals struggling with chronic
health conditions and social factors that impact their health. In this clinic, 32 staff members and over 500
volunteers provide primary and specialty care, mental health, physical therapy, pharmacy, and dental care for
more than 1,600 individuals each year. Over the past five years, Dr. White has led the integration of programs
addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) into Arlington Free Clinic and has facilitated the collaboration
with local health safety-net partners on a grant entitled “Linking Social Factors to Health in Arlington County”
which has led to the development of a tool to measure SDOH impact and shared data with county leaders.
MICHELLE ALTMAN, RN, MSN MBA
Michelle Altman currently serves as the Bilingual Patient Care Director for Virginia Hospital Center. While also
managing several other departments including, Outpatient Diabetes and Nutrition Education, Outpatient
Infusion Center, and two community Clinics that serve uninsured or underinsured patients in Arlington County.
These departments are the Outpatient Clinic and VHC Pediatrics at Virginia Hospital Center and meet a vital
need in serving the community. Under her leadership, she has overseen the expansion of her department to
increase productivity and patient satisfaction. Michelle’s work has been recognized by her peers with the
Washington Excellence in Nursing Award and the Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women in
Nursing and Healthcare. Before her current role, Michelle was a nurse educator with the Department of
Surgical Nursing at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Michelle earned her Masters of Science in Nursing from the
University of Maryland, her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore, and her
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Salisbury University.
ANITA KARKLINS, MSW
Anita Karklins is the Case Manager for the Virginia Hospital Center’s Outpatient Clinic. In this role Anita
advocates for patient needs, assists patients with navigating the health care system, and serves as a referral
for community resources. Prior to joining Virginia Hospital Center Anita worked in her community through a
number of organizations including Manor Care Health Services, INOVA, the City of Alexandria Department of
Community and Human Services, and the Arlington County Department of Human Services. Anita earned her
Master’s in Clinical Social Work and Bachelor of Arts from The Catholic University of America.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY ONE
MICHELE FLETCHER, RN, BSN, PHN
Michele Fletcher is a Public Health Nurse with the Arlington County Public Health Department in the
Community Health Services Bureau. Services are provided to an ethnically diverse population of mostly
uninsured and economically challenged individuals. The services offered include: Pre-natal care, Family
Planning, Teen, Sexually Transmitted Infection treatment, Immunizations, Dental, Women Infant and Children
(WIC), Universal Assessment Screenings for children with special needs, and Medical Case Management.
Michele received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Northern Virginia Community College and her
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. Michele has 30 years of experience
specializing in Maternal Health and Public Health.
DENTAL WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES IN VIRGINIA
SARAH RASKIN, PHD, MPH
Sarah E. Raskin is an Assistant Professor in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
and on the iCubed Oral Health Equity Core. A medical anthropologist and former public health practitioner
cross-trained in health services research, Dr. Raskin conducts community engaged research that examines
dental safety net policy and practice, to advance oral health equity and racial justice. Her current studies
examine dental utilization among low-income immigrants at a federally qualified health center in Richmond,
Virginia; dental service delivery at sixteen community health centers in five states during the first year of the
COVID pandemic; and, with colleagues at Meharry Medical College, career pathways among dental students
from historically excluded racial and ethnic groups. Results from Dr. Raskin's study of the Remote Supervision
Dental Hygiene practice law reform in Virginia are being utilized to improve implementation of the protocol.
Her findings on the survival of silver diamine fluoride among patients treated in community practices have
been accessed over 1,000 times. A frequent collaborator with the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, 2020
recipient of the Wilder School award in mentoring, and board member with the Association for the
Anthropology of Policy, Dr. Raskin's research has been funded by the VCU Center for Clinical and Translational
Research, National Science Foundation, Agency for HealthCare Research and Quality, and Patient Centered
Outcomes Research Institute.
BROOKE CROUCH, RDH
Brooke Crouch is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over a decade of experience in the dental field. Brooke
has worked in both the public and private sector, and as a remote supervised dental hygienist in Virginia.
Brooke’s experience and varied background have made her a valuable partner in bettering oral health and
access to care in Virginia. Brooke has been a partner with Virginia Health Catalyst on various projects for over
5 years and is committed to continuing the important advocacy efforts to ensure all Virginian’s have access to
quality oral health care. Brooke is a national speaker, published author, and online contributor focusing on
dental hygiene access to care issues, prevention, and treatment methods. She’s the Senior VP of the American
Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance, and currently serves as co-chair of the Future of Public Health Technology
workgroup.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY ONE
DENTAL WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES IN VIRGINIA
SCOTT WOLPIN, DMD
Dr. Scott Wolpin has devoted his career to providing dentistry to disadvantaged adults and children through his
work in federally qualified health centers for over 30 years. Dr. Wolpin graduated from Tufts University School
of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA in 1989 and completed a General Practice Residency at Johns Hopkins
Hospital in Baltimore, MD in 1990. Since then, Dr. Wolpin has served as dental director for three different
community health center dental programs and holds academic appointments with Arizona School of Dentistry
and Oral Health, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and Tufts University School of Dental
Medicine mentoring fourth year dental students in community-based practice. Dr. Wolpin serves as Immediate
Past President of the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) and is Past President of both the
Eastern Shore Dental Society, and the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved. Among his accolades
includes being recognized as Maryland Outstanding Rural Health Practitioner in 2003, as Maryland Oral Health
Hero in 2010 by U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin and the Maryland Dental Action Coalition, was awarded 2015
Clinician Hero of the Year by the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved and received a Distinguished
Service Award from the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce in 2020.
FRANK IURONO, JR. DDS, MS
Dr. Frank Iuorno is a practicing orthodontist at West End Orthodontics in Glen Allen, Virginia. Dr. Iuorno earned
his Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science degree in 1990 from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, close to
where he grew up. He received his DDS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1994 and was
elected to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. After dental school, Dr. Iuorno completed
a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester New
York. He moved to Richmond in 1995 and completed a unique combination of residencies at Virginia
Commonwealth University, earning certification in both Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2000) and Orthodontics
(2002), and making him uniquely qualified to treat complex cases. He received his Master of Science degree in
2002. Dr. Iuorno teaches at VCU School of Dentistry and also donates his time as an oral surgeon at the
Goochland Free Clinic. One of his passions is the treatment of children with special needs like cleft lip and
palate. He is a founding member of The Cleft and Craniofacial Team at St. Mary’s. He is also president of the
Virginia Dental Association.SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY TWO
THE HISTORY OF RACISM IN HEALTHCARE
CARLOS SMITH, DDS, MDIV, FACD
Dr. Smith is the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Director of Ethics Curriculum and
Associate Professor in the Department of Dental Public Health and Policy at Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Dentistry. He is also a member of the VCU Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation. He joined
VCU SOD in 2015 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Practice and has served in a variety
of roles including Group Practice Leader and Course Director. He is one of 12 faculty nationwide to be directly
appointed to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Collaborative on Dental Education Climate
Assessment. He serves as a liaison to the Commission on Change & Innovation in Dental Education and is a
member of the board of directors of the American Society for Dental Ethics, the Virginia Dental Association
Foundation and the Academy for Professionalism in Health Care, an organization devoted to enhancing
professionalism through ethics and humanities education. Dr. Smith is also a member of the Editorial Board of
the Journal of the American College of Dentists. An active Fellow in the American College of Dentists, Smith is
one of two inaugural 2021 Dr. Jerome B. Miller Fellows within the ADEA Leadership Institute. He serves on the
Virginia Health Catalyst Future of Public Oral Health Taskforce and c-chairs the Workforce Implementation
Team. His research interests include dental student and faculty wellbeing, diversity and inclusive excellence,
professional identity formation and dental ethics. His most recent scholarship includes a book chapter on
ethical considerations in geriatric dentistry and a multi-institutional study of burnout, loneliness and resilience
in dental faculty amid COVID-19. He maintains a private practice in general dentistry with the Dental Faculty
Practice and is co-advisor to the VCU chapter of SNDA. An ordained clergy, Dr. Smith completed clinical
pastoral education at Duke Medical Center providing care and crisis management to families of cardiac
pediatric patients. Recent honors include 2021 ADEA Olav Alvares Award for Early Career Scholars, 2020
School of Dentistry Dean’s Faculty Excellence Award for Humanism, 2020 Richmond Magazine Top Dentists -
Best Instructional Dentist Category, 2018 National Minority Quality Forum’s 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority
Health by the Congressional Black Caucus and a 2019 Hampton University Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition
Society Inductee. He is a graduate of the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership and the AAL Institute for
Teaching and Learning. Dr. Smith earned his DDS from the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry, Master
of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and BS in
Biology from Hampton University.
MAKING WATER THE BEVERAGE OF CHOICE IN VIRGINIA
SRIDHAR VEDACHALAM, PHD
Dr. Sri Vedachalam leads the water program at the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, a think- and do-
tank that prioritizes innovation and speed in bringing environmental progress. His work has addressed national
water issues such as affordability and equity, aging infrastructure, extreme weather impacts, financing, and
non-point source pollution. He currently serves on the advisory board for Water Hub and the Great Lakes
Commission’s Blue Accounting Initiative. He is also on the Virginia Health Catalyst’s Water Equity Task Force.
Dr. Vedachalam is the Editor for Urban Water at the Global Water Forum, a UNESCO-sponsored resource for
evidence-based, accessible, and open-access articles on freshwater governance. He brings water policy
experience from his years in academia, government, and the non-profit sector. He holds a PhD from The Ohio
State University.SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY TWO
CREATING EQUITABLE POLICIES IN VIRGINIA
FREDDY MEJIA, MSW
Freddy is a policy analyst at The Commonwealth Institute (TCI) with a focus on health care. He brings a
passion for working in partnership with low- and moderate-income communities in all policy areas. Prior to
joining TCI, Freddy worked in the non-profit sector providing case management services for 6-12th grade
students in Washington, DC. He became passionate about fighting health care inequalities during an internship
with Mason & Partners Free Clinic in Northern Virginia. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree from
Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Social Work degree with a Social Change focus from
George Mason University.
EMILY GRIFFEY, MPP
Emily Griffey is the Chief Policy Officer at Voices for Virginia’s Children. She is the key contact for government
relations and policy analysis for issues that impact the health and well-being of Virginia’s Children. Emily
provides expertise in child care and early learning issues and brings additional experience and background on
the many issues she has worked on during her eight years with Voices. Emily has been an advocate for the
expansion of preschool opportunities, equitable access to safe and affordable child care, and family economic
supports. Notably, Emily has paved the way for engagement with candidates running for office through the
organization’s electoral advocacy and gubernatorial forums as well as ensuring that children are a priority once
officials take office, such as her involvement with the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet and many stakeholder
committees. Additionally, Emily enjoys hearing the perspectives of parents and front-line professionals to help
shape Voices’ policy agenda and highlight priority issues. Emily comes to Voices with experience in working on
early childhood issues at a local and regional level for Greater Richmond’s Smart Beginnings, Richmond City
Social Services, and Baltimore’s Safe and Sound Campaign. Emily is a graduate of the Jepson School of
Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond and earned her master’s degree in public policy at Johns
Hopkins University.SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY TWO
CREATING EQUITABLE POLICIES IN VIRGINIA
ASHLEY KENNETH, MSP
Ashley C. Kenneth is President and CEO of The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis. At TCI, she is able
to turn her passion for racial and economic equity into action. As President, Ashley provides the vision,
inspiration, and strategic management to achieve the organization’s goals, maximizing the impact of TCI’s
policy analysis and legislative engagement, and strengthening collaboration with partner and community
organizations. Ashley previously worked as Director of Advocacy and Policy for the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society where she was responsible for policy development, analysis, and volunteer engagement in Maryland,
Virginia, and West Virginia. She has a master’s degree in social policy from the University of Pennsylvania and
a B.A. in communication and sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
CHLO'E EDWARDS, MPP
Chlo’e Edwards is the Policy Analyst at Voices for Virginia’s Children. She leads policy and advocacy work in
domains related to the social determinants of health (SDOH) with a focus on healthcare, family economic
security, trauma-informed care, equity, and justice. In 2020, Chlo’e launched Virginia’s first Racial Truth &
Reconciliation Week, which was recognized by Governor Ralph Northam. Now, the initiative has evolved into a
campaign that empowers the voices and experiences of marginalized communities in acknowledgement of
truth to promote healing, reconciliation, and justice. In implementation, Chlo’e shapes the campaign’s policy
priorities and provides support to the coalition. During the 2021 GA session, Chlo’e helped lead efforts to
successfully recognize racism as a public health crisis in Virginia, making the state the first in the south.
Prior to Voices, Chlo’e served as director of Connecting Hearts to solve Virginia’s child welfare crisis. In 2021,
Chlo’e was recognized by The Valentine as a Richmond History Maker for the social justice category and was
recognized as a YWCA Outstanding Women for the Human Relations and Faith in Action category. In 2020, she
was named on Style Weekly’s top 40 Under 40. She also received the Outstanding Service Award from
Connecting Hearts in 2018 and she was named Radio One Richmond’s top 30 Under 30 in 2017. Chlo’e holds a
Master of Public Policy in Leadership from Liberty University and completed the Minority Research and Law
Institute Program at Southern University in 2013, the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political
Emerging Leaders program in 2019, and the Virginia Progressive Leadership Project in 2021. She currently
serves as University of Richmond Community Partner in Residence as a fellow to complete a multidisciplinary
racial equity and social justice framework to the policy development process at Voices for Virginia’s Children.
Chlo’e the founder of Chlo’e Edwards Consulting and president of CEO and President of Black Lives Matter
804.SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY TWO
PROMOTING SAFE FLUORIDATED DRINKING WATER IN VIRGINIA
ERIN LING, MS, MEPC
Erin Ling is a Sr. Water Quality Extension Associate at Virginia Tech in the Biological Engineering Department.
She has a B.A. from Virginia Tech in International Development and two masters degrees from Penn State in
Environmental Pollution Control and Rural Sociology. She has experience with research involving adoption of
best management practices for improved water quality and community-based social marketing. Currently, she
coordinates the Virginia Household Water Quality Program with Virginia Cooperative Extension, which offers
affordable water testing and education to Virginia's 1.6 million well and spring users and conducts youth water
quality outreach and education.
CAITLIN HARRAH, BSPH
Caitlin Harrah is a fourth year dental student, interested in pursuing a career in community health dentistry and
advocacy for more equitable oral health care. She has been fortunate to work under the mentorship of Dr.
Tegwyn Brickhouse, who is a pediatric dentist and public health expert at VCU School of Dentistry. Dr.
Brickhouse's research in oral health disparities and her community engagement to promote utilization of health
services in communities with low socioeconomic status of Richmond has inspired Caitlin to explore research
opportunities that have the potential to directly inform community-level intervention and government-level
policy. Her current research interests are centered around access to safe drinking water and how this access
may relate to addressing oral health disparities, especially in the Richmond community.
LEIGH-ANNE KROMETIS, PHD
Leigh-Anne Krometis is an Associate Professor in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. She has
been working on issues of drinking water access and sanitation in the Appalachian Coalfields for a decade,
funded by the National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Appalachian Regional
Commission, and the Appalachian Research Initiative for Environmental Science.SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY TWO
HPV VACCINES AND ORAL HEALTH
KATHLEEN PORTER, PHD, RD
Dr. Kathleen Porter is a PhD-trained registered dietitian and an early career behavioral scientist. Her research
focuses on the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based cancer control and population health
interventions in rural Appalachian communities. She has engaged in projects targeting improving dietary and
physical activity behaviors among adolescents, adults, and cancer survivors, decreasing tobacco use among
Airmen, and increasing uptake of colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Porter regularly uses approaches associated
with implementation science, community-based participatory research, health literacy techniques, and mixed-
methods evaluation.
SHILLPA NAAVAAL, BDS, MS, MPH
Dr. Shillpa Naavaal is an assistant professor and a health services researcher in the Department of Dental
Public Health and Policy at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. She is a board-certified
diplomate in Public Health Dentistry. Her research program focuses on improving access to oral health care
and increasing the use of evidence-based health services among vulnerable populations across the life span.
She is also a member of the Massey Cancer Center and serves as a faculty in the iCubed and Philips Institute
of Oral Health at VCU. Her cancer prevention work is concentrated on understanding HPV vaccine uptake and
hesitancy and addressing risk factors and disparities in oral cancers. Dr. Naavaal is a recipient of several
grants and awards, including NCI and CDC. Her research contributions have been published in various high-
ranked peer-reviewed journals, and she has written several reports and professional documents to promote
oral health. She is actively involved in various national and state-level oral health policy and scientific
committees and co-chairs the Council of Scientific Information at the American Association of Public Health
Dentistry.
Before joining VCU, Dr. Naavaal worked as a health scientist and a research fellow at the Office of Smoking
and Health and the Division of Oral Health at CDC, Atlanta. She completed her Dental Public Health residency
at the CDC Division of Oral Health, Masters in Oral Science, and Masters in Public Health from the University of
Illinois at Chicago, and her dental degree and advanced clinical program from the Government Dental College,
Nagpur University, India.
EMILY KATE BOWEN, DDS
Dr. Bowen graduated from Virginia Tech with an ungraduated degree in biology and chemistry, before
completing graduate work at Clemson University. She received her dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth
University School of Dentistry.Since then, she has served as a faculty member for Mountain Empire Community
College where she is currently the Dental Assisting Program Director in the Department of Health Sciences. As
a native of Southwest Virginia, Emily is focused on improving access to care in the rural Appalachian area. She
serves on multiple public health related committees including Lenowisco Oral Health Coalition, University of
Virginia’s Cancer Center SWVA Community Advisory Board, Virginia HPV Immunization Taskforce, and Virginia
Health Catalyst.SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES DAY TWO
CLOSING REMARKS
TONYA PARRIS-WILKINS, DDS, FAAHD, MAGD
Dr. Parris-Wilkins is a practicing dentist with nearly 20 years of experience. While in Southwest Virginia, she
served as the Dental Director for the Bland Ministry Center in Bland, Virginia. During her tenure, she has
supervised the expansion of dental services to the underserved citizens of Southwest Virginia via the opening
of Big Walker Dentistry, a charitable, 5-operatory state-of-the-art facility, and the expansion of dental services
into the Wythe and Bland county public school systems. In addition, she served as an adjunct dental faculty
member at Wytheville Community College supervising the clinical work of hygiene students.
Previously, she owned and operated Southside Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Colonial Heights, Virginia.
She was featured in the EVB Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Realized (P.O.W.E.R) campaign which
recognizes successful female business owners across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Before private practice,
Dr. Parris-Wilkins oversaw the dental program of the largest federally qualified health center organization in
Virginia--Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS). During her tenure with CVHS, the dental program expanded
from 4 to 10 sites and doubled the number of those in need that received treatment. Dr. Parris-Wilkins began
her career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Practice at VCU’s School of Dentistry.
In 2015, she was appointed to the Virginia Board of Dentistry by Governor Terry McAuliffe, ascending to the
presidency in 2018. In 2020, she was appointed to Virginia Commonwealth University’s Board of Visitors by
Governor Ralph Northam. Dr. Parris-Wilkins serves on the Clinical Advisory Board of the Virginia Health
Catalyst and the Delta Dental of Virginia Advisory Task Force.
In 2012, Dr. Parris-Wilkins created the Parris Wilkins Scholarship, the first endowed scholarship within Virginia
Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry to benefit African-American students. To date, the scholarship
has been awarded to 15 students in need.
Dr. Parris-Wilkins obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William and Mary and her Doctor of
Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed a general practice residency at
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and obtained a certificate from Cornell University in Business
Excellence for Healthcare Professionals. She is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow of
the American Association of Hospital Dentists.
Dr. Parris-Wilkins resides in Richmond, Virginia with her husband Joseph D. Wilkins, D.P.T., M.S.H.A., and their
three children.THANK YOU TO THE
2021 CATALYST ANNUAL SUMMIT SPONSORS!
PREMIER SUMMIT SPONSORS
DISTINGUISHED SPONSORS
VISIONARY SPONSOR SIGNATURE SPONSOR
ADDITIONAL EVENT SPONSORS & EXIBITORS
Legislative Champion Award Sponsor Contributing Sponsors
Northern Virginia Health Foundation Medical Society of Virginia
Carilion Clinic
Breakout Sponsors Unite Us
Centra Health Virginia Dental Hygienists Association
Elevate Oral Care
Ballad Health Safety-Net Sponsor
Benevis Virginia Health Care FoundationVIRGINIA HEALTH CATALYST
2021 Board of Directors
Natalie Pennywell, MPH, CHES, Chair Frank Iuorno, Jr., DDS, MS, PC
Department of Medical Assistance Services West End Orthodontics
Susie Lee, Vice Chair Tegwyn Brickhouse, DDS, PhD
Potomac Health Foundation VCU School of Dentistry
Scott Burnette, Treasurer Paula Masters DrPh, MPH
Community Memorial Hospital Ballad Health
Patricia Bonwell, RDH, BSDH, MSG, PhD Carole Pratt, DDS
Lucy Corr Village and VCU School of Dentistry Office of the Commissioner
Stacy Campbell, MBA Luciano Ramos
Delta Dental of Virginia Unite Us
Lisette Carbajal Frank Lucia
Capital One Delta Dental Virginia
Denise Claiborne, PhD, RDH
Old Dominion University
Virginia Health Catalyst Staff
Sarah Bedard Holland, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Hillard, Administrative Coordinator
Ericca Facetti, Vice President of Programs Carrie Redden, Northern Virginia Alliance Coordinator
Sherrina Gibson, Vice President of Strategy Kim Negaard, Bookkeeper
Alle Witt, Development Director Greg Herceg, Fractional CFO, Contractor
Brita Allen, Senior Communications Manager Nicole Pugar Lawter, Public Affairs Consultant, Contractor
Chloe Van Zandt, Senior Policy Manager
Thank you to the 2021 Catalyst Annual Summit Planning Committee
Albert Walker III
Mylinda Moore, MSW
Emily Bowen, DDS
Dina Garcia, PhD, MPH
Christina Quiros, MS, RDH, CDA, MAADH
Catalyst Staff MembersGET INVOLVED WITH VIRGINIA HEALTH CATALYST
Apply what you've learned at the 2021 Virginia Health Catalyst Summit by jumping into the work that is
moving Virginia towards equitable, comprehensive healthcare for all.
Learn more about the programmatic priorities at Catalyst below.
Contact Danny Hillard (dhillard@vahealthcatalyst.org) to learn more.
DESIGN THE FUTURE OF
PUBLIC ORAL HEALTH UPCOMING FUNDING
A lot has changed as a result of the
COVID pandemic and social justice
OPPORTUNITIES
movements in the USA. The FPOH
Taskforce developed a roadmap to a
more equitable, robust oral health Oral Health Integration
system in VA by optimizing and
supporting workforce, integration, data,
Learning Collaborative
and technology.
Dental safety net clinics design
and implement projects to
improve medical/dental
ENSURE WATER EQUITY integration ($10,000)
In order to make water the beverage of
choice for Virginians, it needs to be School-Based Oral Health
safe, accessible, affordable, and
trusted - and fluoridated! Catalyst and Implementation Cohort
partners across sectors are working to
make this a reality. Dental safety net clinics
collaborate with local school
nurses to begin a new school-
based oral health program
($15,000)
AFFECT POLICIES THAT Teledentistry
SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CARE Implementation Cohort
Catalyst remains a resource for health Dental safety net clinics
policy advocacy and translation. With receive education & support to
the passing of an adult dental benefit
in Medicaid in 2021, Catalyst is looking implement a teledentistry
towards policies that support and program ($15,000)
enable comprehensive health.
Follow us on social media:
Catalyst is hiring for two
positions within our
Programs Team! Check
out our website for more
information and to apply.Oral Health and Pregnancy
Oral health is inextricably linked to overall health, and pregnancy is an
especially critical time to address oral health issues because of ties to preterm
birth and other adverse health outcomes. Virginia Health Catalyst and its
partners seek to:
INCREASE ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE FOR PREGNANT PEOPLE IN VIRGINIA
In Virginia, pregnant people enrolled in Medicaid have a comprehensive dental benefit that offers preventive and
restorative services better enabling them to access care. Virginia Health Catalyst and its partners work across
Virginia to raise awareness among providers and their patients of the safety and importance of oral health during
pregnancy.
IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR CAREGIVERS AND BABIES
Pregnant people with periodontal disease may be up to eight times more likely to deliver prematurely and over 18%
of preterm low birth weight babies may be attributable to periodontal disease. Pregnant people are also more
susceptible to plaque build-up, tooth enamel erosion due to nausea and vomiting, cavities from sugary and starchy
foods, and benign growths in their mouths. Nationally, 60-75% of pregnant people have gingivitis.
ADDRESS HEALTH DISPARITIES IN VIRGINIA
Some groups of women are less likely to visit the dentist during pregnancy, including: African American (42%) and
Hispanic women (40%) compared to non-Hispanic white women (51%). The risk of pregnancy-related death is 3 to 4
times higher for African American women in the United States than non-Hispanic women. Treating the oral health
care needs of all pregnant people can reduce the risk of premature births, in turn reducing potential complications.
SET CHILDREN UP FOR A LIFETIME OF GOOD ORAL HEALTH
Reducing bacteria in a pregnant person's mouth can significantly reduce a child’s risk of tooth decay, as bacteria is
spread from mother to baby. Reducing tooth decay in early childhood can also reduce the need for children to
receive costly dental treatment in the operating room under general anesthesia.CONTINUING EDUCATION If you are requesting continuing education (CE) credit for the Catalyst Annual Summit, please e-mail Virginia Health Catalyst at cecredit@vahealthcatalyst.org at the conclusion of the event with your full name, type of CE credit, and a list of sessions you attended. Catalyst is able to track your online user activity on the conference website, however you will be asked to periodically type your name in the conference chat feature to ensure you receive credit for the sessions you attend. CE credits are available for dental professionals, family physicians/PAs, nurses and social workers. Dental Professionals The Virginia Dental Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. The Virginia Dental Association designates this activity for 4.5 continuing education credits. This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) through joint efforts between The Virginia Dental Association and Virginia Health Catalyst. Physicians and Physician Assistants This Live activity, 2021 Catalyst Annual Summit, with a beginning date of 10/07/2021, has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 4.50 Prescribed credit(s) by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Nurses 4.5 CE credits have been awarded through the NYU College of Nursing Center for Continuing Education in Nursing. The NYU College of Nursing Center for Continuing Education in Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation Social Workers This program has been approved by the National Association of Social Workers - Virginia Chapter for 4.5 contact hours.
SPONSOR ADVERTISEMENTS
All of us at
Virginia Health Catalyst
would like to thank
for supporting the
2021 Catalyst Annual Summit
as a Premier SponsorDISCLOSURE DECLARATION
Title: 2021 Catalyst Annual Summit
Date: Thursday, October 7, 2021 – Friday, October 8, 2021
Location: Virtual
Activity Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to enable the learner to review measures, trends, research, and activities in Virginia
in order to gauge population health and identify opportunities for improvement.
Objectives:
1. Explore the impact of institutional racism on health in America.
2. Explore the role of dental professionals and healthcare providers in addressing environmental trauma and building community
resilience.
3. Explore current issues and future direction of public oral health, such as the impacts of COVID-19, teledentistry, minimally
invasive dentistry, and motivational interviewing.
4. Review recent oral health research and community-based care approaches that inform health care strategies for
vulnerable populations.
5. Discuss techniques to promote integration and trauma-informed care in clinical practice.
Notice of requirement for successful completion: Learners must attend all of the educational sessions for which they request
continuing education credit and maintain a copy of their verification of participation form to receive credit for this activity.
Conflict of interest: Disclosures: Sarah Bedard Holland, MS, is the CEO of Virginia Health Catalyst, the provider of this activity.
Sarah Raskin receives grant/research funding from VCU School of Dentistry, a distinguished sponsor, and participated in unfunded
research with Virginia Dental Hygienist Association, an exhibitor, Dr. Carlos Smith is a consultant with Virginia Health Catalyst, the
provider of this activity, Ashley Kenneth receives a grant from the Potomac Health Foundation, a signature sponsor, Freddy Mejia
also receives grant funding from the Potomac Health Foundation, a signature sponsor, and Dr. Bob Russell is a consultant for
CareQuest Institute. The following instructors have no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time: Emily Griffey, Chlo’e
Edwards, Brooke Crouch, Caitlin Harrah, Erin Ling, Frank Iuorno, DDS, Scott Wolpin, DDS, Sridhar Vedachalam, Shillpa Naavaal,
Tonya Parris-Wilkins, Emily Bowen, Kathleen Porter, Nancy White, Leigh-Anne Krometis, Albert Walker, Karen Legato, Michelle
Altman, Dina Garcia, Anita Karklins, Rev. Dr. Lacette Cross, Gabriel Glissmeyer, and Melissa-Irene Jackson.
List of sponsors:
Aetna Anthem Healthkeepers Plus
DentaQuest Partnership Northern Virginia Health Foundation
Virginia Premier Centra Health
Sentara Elevate Oral Health
VCU Dental Care Benevis
Delta Dental of Virginia Ballad Health
Virginia State Office of Rural Health Medical Society of Virginia
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services Carilion
Virginia Department of Health, Maternal and Child Health Unite Us
Potomac Health Foundation Virginia Dental Hygienists Association
Virginia Health Care Foundation
Non-endorsement of products: The presence of any product, company or corporation at this conference in no way signifies an
endorsement of the product, company or corporation by ANCC Commission on Accreditation or Virginia Health Catalyst.Please Note: Virginia Health Catalyst will use recordings of the virtual Catalyst Annual Summit for promotional
purposes. Photos and video recordings will include speakers and participants. If you do not wish to be included,
please inform a staff member. Participant registration fees for this event are not tax deductible.
vahealthcatalyst.org
804.269.8720
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