Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation has presented Simone Hogan, LICSW, Senior Director of Healthcare at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), as the recipient of its 2019 Ann K. Johnson Community Health Spirit Award. The award was presented at the Delta Dental of Minnesota Symposium on November 12 when Hogan was recognized for her work supporting oral health for vulnerable older adults and veterans in Minnesota.

In 2017, Hogan spearheaded an effort to construct a new, nation-leading dental clinic on the Minneapolis Veterans Home campus to provide comprehensive dental services to our Residents. With broad funding support and multiple partners, the clinic opened for patient care in fall 2019. Oral healthcare is a clinical initiative for MDVA, and mobile dentistry is also provided at the greater Minnesota Veterans Homes. Hogan has continued to lead the project, evaluating and adapting the model as needed. 

“We are thrilled to present Simone Hogan with the Ann K. Johnson Community Health Spirit Award in recognition of her leadership, positive outlook, resolve and collaborative approach to bringing oral health forward in the lives of vulnerable older adults and veterans,” said Joe Lally, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation’s executive director. “Our team has experienced her leadership firsthand through her work on the Minneapolis Veterans Home Dental Clinic and we appreciate her dedication to ensuring on-site oral care is sustained for years to come.”

Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation presented $2,500 to the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis Dental Clinic in Hogan’s honor. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation was also one of the initial funders of the dental clinic with a $100,000 grant. The clinic is the first of its kind in the country.

Established in 2014, the Ann K. Johnson Community Health Spirit Award is given annually to individuals in special recognition of their contributions to improving oral or overall health in Minnesota and to celebrate their visionary leadership. The award is presented in honor of Ann Johnson, former executive director of Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation and community affairs director of Delta Dental of Minnesota. 

Recipients of the award exemplify Johnson’s leadership qualities by: inspiring and bringing together people to achieve oral health and/or overall health goals; leading by example through a lifelong commitment and dedication to communities; seeking continual growth through listening, learning and practicing creative leadership; achieving significant accomplishments for community health, especially oral health; promoting a positive work experience; and helping others shine and rise to their full potential.