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As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clark County Health Department (CCHD) is focused on ways in which we can best support the community to protect and prioritize the health and safety of our citizens.

The places where we are, physically, mentally and societally, affect our health and our lives. As CCHD paused to celebrate the 27 th annual National Public Health Week, April 4-10, we invite you to learn more about the changes we are making to best meet the public health needs of Clark County.

In 2019, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) launched Public Health Transformation (PHT) to provide a streamlined approach to core and statutory required public health programs.

These programs include mandated foundational programs like disease investigation and environmental regulations as well as other programs including WIC, HANDS and programs designed to address substance use disorders.

Additional programming is then determined through a community health assessment. Needs identified through this assessment process are categorized as local health priorities.

The initial ​​purpose​ for PHT was to establish a framework for local health departments to regain financial stability; however, the urgency to radically overhaul Kentucky’s public health system stems from the necessity to improve the overall health of its citizens which consistently ranks among the poorest in the country.

Public​​ Health Transformation Goals:
• Ensure equitable access to public health services across the commonwealth
• Increase focus on population health
• Promote fiscal responsibility
• Strengthen collaboration/partnerships
• Optimize internal capacity​​

Public Health Transformation supports a culture of change where everyone is encouraged to challenge the status quo and reach outside normal program delivery to explore new ways to offer services to improve health outcomes and health access.

CCHD is excited to relaunch in-person services and many programs impacted by the pandemic.

This year, CCHD will also be conducting a community a health assessment to help identify our local public health needs and priorities.

We encourage all citizens to participate to ensure the public health needs of our community are identified so we may craft a plan together to promote the health of Clark County.

Becky Kissick is director of the Clark County Health Department.