This episode explores how strong partnerships across state and local agencies expand
adolescent access to school health services in Illinois. Guests from the Illinois Department of
Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Chicago Public Schools share how
coordinated efforts are improving health and wellness supports for students. From district-wide
initiatives like Healthy CPS to statewide infrastructure for school-based health centers, the
discussion offers practical examples and lessons learned to inspire similar collaboration in other
jurisdictions.

This publication was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award
totaling $750,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS under the PW-24-0080 Cooperative
Agreement, Grant #1NU38PW000018. The contents are those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S.
Government.

Guests

• Nikki Goodman, MSW: Healthy CPS Manager, Office of Student Health and Wellness, Chicago Public Schools

• Alexandra Sontag, DNP, MSN, APRN, CNL, FNP-BC: Director of School Nursing, Division of School Health, Chicago Department of Public Health

• Sally Lemke, DNP, WHNP-BC: School Health Nurse Consultant, Illinois Department of Public Health

Resources

• Healthy CPS | Chicago Public Schools

• CDPH School Health Programs | Chicago Department of Public Health

• School-Based/Linked Health Centers | Illinois Department of Public Health

• What Works in Schools | CDC

• Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child | CDC

• Supporting Adolescent Health Through School-Based Health Programs | ASTHO

In this episode, we spotlight a dynamic partnership between an Indiana local health department and Public Health AmeriCorps. Our guests — Jessica Baker, a dedicated Public Health AmeriCorps member, and Michelle Arnold, their host site supervisor — share how they became involved with the program and the impact of their collaboration. Michelle discusses the decision to host an AmeriCorps member and the valuable contributions Jessica has made, both locally and at the state health agency level. Meanwhile, Jessica reflects on their day-to-day responsibilities, motivations for joining, and future career goals. The episode wraps with practical advice for other agencies considering hosting AmeriCorps members and insights into what the supervisor hopes to see in future fellows. It offers a candid look at building the public health workforce through mentorship, service, and shared goals.

Guests

Jessica Baker, MPH: Public Health AmeriCorps Member

Michelle Arnold, MPH: Public Health AmeriCorps Host Site Supervisor

The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Data for Action project supports the integration of data on brain health and caregiving into public health planning efforts. State health leaders in the brain health space from Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, and New Jersey participated in the HBI Data for Action initiative as Cohort 1, with support from the Alzheimer’s Association and ASTHO. This episode showcases the inaugural cohort’s accomplishments.

Guests

Meghan Fadel: Data for Action Lead; Associate Director, Alzheimer’s Association

Elizabeth Conklin, MPH: Connecticut Data for Action Participant; Health Program Supervisor; Heart, Brain and Diabetes Health Unit; Chronic Diseases and Injury Prevention Section; Community, Family Health, and Prevention Branch; Connecticut Department of Public Health

Resources

• CDC: Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Data Portal
• Alzheimer’s Association: BRFSS and Other Data Resources
• Alzheimer’s Association: E-News
• ASTHO: Healthy Aging and Brain Health
• ASTHO: HBI Road Map Module
• ASTHO: Public Health Review Morning Edition