Fayette health department announces annual award-winner

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s Board of Health has selected its 2017 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero.

According to a release from the health department, the annual award is going to Kentucky Senator Reginald Thomas.

The health department says Thomas is a public health advocate “through his actions statewide.” Some of those include co-sponsoring legislation to teach high school students CPR, supporting rights of breastfeeding mothers, and protecting children and adults against abuse.

The health department says Thomas has worked closely with it to help shape statutes and regulations to improve the health and well-being of Kentuckians.

Thomas will be recognized at the April 27 Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting. He will also be honored at the May 8 Board of Health meeting held at 5:45 p.m. at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, 650 Newtown Pike.

Previously known as the Public Health Hero Award, the Board of Health renamed the award in 2016 in memory of the late Dr. Rice C. Leach, Lexington’s former Commissioner of Health who spent more than 50 years as a public health physician. Leach died April 1, 2016.

Past winners include Dr. Susan Pollack and Marian F. Guinn (2015), the Rev. Willis Polk and baby Health Service (2014), Anita Courtney and Teens Against Tobacco Use (2013); Vickie Blevins and Jay McChord (2013); Jill Chenault-Wilson and Dr. Malkanthie McCormick (2011); Dr. Jay Perman (2010); the Lexington Lions Club (2009); Dr. David Stevens and the late Dr. Doane Fischer (2008); Dr. Ellen Hahn, Mary Alice Pratt and Therese Moseley (2007); Dr. Andrew Moore and Rosa Martin (2006); Jan Brucato and Dragana Zaimovic (2005); and Dr. John Michael Moore, Ellen Parks and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (2004). Dr. Robert Lam received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.