The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING DR. NALO JOHNSON AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
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HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Nalo Johnson as Iowan of the Week. Dr. Nalo Johnson is a public health expert who works with community-based organizations, public and private entities, and everyday Iowans to improve health outcomes for all Iowans.
While growing up in Des Moines, she learned firsthand how collaboration was key to addressing issues facing her community, and that lesson drives her work to this day.
She got her start in public health while earning her Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota, where she focused on learning about the economic, social, and environmental barriers to health. At the same time, her husband attended dental school and shared literature on public health issues that furthered her interest in the topic. After she concluded the program, she knew that her life's mission was to break down those barriers and create healthier communities.
She later joined the Division Director of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention at the Iowa Department of Public Health. There, she worked on the Title V Community-Based Doula Project for African American Families. This project included a collaborative team of Black maternal health experts that had 3 goals--to improve maternal health outcomes and decrease the disparity between Black mothers and white mothers, diversify the prenatal workforce by having doula and lactation certifications, and advocate for a systems change to use the program's data for health insurance reimbursement--including Medicaid--
for using doula services. The project is now concluding its first year of work.
She now serves as the President and CEO of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, where she partners with leading organizations and stakeholders to view public health challenges through an equity lens and tackle those same challenges in a culturally-competent and effective manner.
Dr. Nalo Johnson says that one of the best parts of her job is building relationships with local leaders, funding partners, and public health systems to bring everyone to the table to address the unique needs of communities and is excited about the new resources available to do just that in her new role.
She is grateful for the support of her family--her husband and two children--for always being supportive and proud of the work she does.
Dr. Nalo Johnson is a stellar example of someone who fights for ALL Iowans, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Her work is critical to the well-being of Iowans, and I am so proud to honor Dr. Nalo Johnson as the Iowan of the Week.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 164(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 164(2)
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