[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING KAREN AYALA FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI-

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2023

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize Karen Ayala for 
her substantial contributions to the well-being of Illinois residents 
throughout her career in public health. Ms. Ayala has spearheaded 
efforts to improve health outcomes at the DuPage County Health 
Department (DCHD), including playing a central role responding to the 
opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her successful 
leadership, DuPage County was recently rated the healthiest of 
Illinois' 102 counties for the third consecutive year. She tirelessly 
endeavored to mitigate multiple public health crises while 
simultaneously establishing programs that will maintain the DCHD's 
track record of success for years to come.
  After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Wartburg 
College and her Master's in Public Health from the University of 
Illinois-Chicago, Ms. Ayala began working in Winnebago County, Illinois 
as a case manager for pregnant and parenting teens. She supported the 
delivery of services to approximately 350 families and witnessed the 
capacity of local government to improve the well-being of residents, an 
experience that solidified her commitment to helping others as a public 
health official. Ms. Ayala transitioned to the DCHD in 2007 to serve as 
Unit Director of Community Health Services. She quickly proved her 
capabilities and was named Executive Director in 2014.
  As Executive Director, Ms. Ayala has worked to combat the opioid 
crisis, an effort that has benefited not only DuPage County but the 
nation as a whole. She helped lead a comprehensive crisis management 
approach including an opioid education program, the collection of 
unused medications, partnerships with mental health service providers, 
and increasing Narcan usage, which is an essential tool in the event of 
an overdose. Eager to share DuPage County's hard-learned lessons, Ms. 
Ayala submitted testimony to the House Committee on Oversight and 
Reform to detail options to address the opioid crisis. Her innovative 
approach, which utilized community assessment and community 
collaboration, created a model for other public health departments.
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Ayala led the DCHD through the 
public health crisis. Under her leadership, the DCHD kept residents 
informed with nuanced and accurate information despite initial 
uncertainty regarding the virus's characteristics. The DCHD provided 
guidance on masking and social distancing despite the intense scrutiny 
faced by public health departments and constantly fluctuating infection 
rates. Upon the rollout of the vaccine, Ms. Ayala facilitated the 
establishment of a mass vaccination clinic at the DuPage County 
Fairgrounds. Her steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic 
provided essential guidance to DuPage County residents, heightened 
vaccination rates, and helped save lives.
  Ms. Ayala has worked diligently to mitigate health crises within her 
local community and across the country. She has made life-changing 
impacts on Illinois residents and paved the way for the future of 
improved public health in DuPage County. I extend my sincere 
congratulations to Ms. Ayala, who has recently announced her upcoming 
retirement. It is a privilege to recognize the achievements of Karen 
Ayala and express my immense gratitude for her years of public service 
and contributions to the citizens of Illinois and the country.

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