News Summary
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has appointed Dr. Crystal Miller as its new commissioner, succeeding the interim commissioner. With nearly 18 years of experience in public health management, Dr. Miller aims to address ongoing health challenges in the community. Her background includes educational credentials from the University of Kentucky and a history of advocating for public health on various levels. This appointment marks a significant step toward stabilizing the department amidst critical public health issues.
Lexington-Fayette County has announced the appointment of Dr. Crystal Miller as the new commissioner of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. The announcement came on Monday evening, marking a new chapter for the department as it continues to navigate public health challenges in the region.
Dr. Miller brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as the director of the WEDCO District Health Department for nearly 18 years. The WEDCO District Health Department encompasses Harrison, Nicholas, and Scott counties, underscoring her extensive background in public health management. Dr. Miller succeeds Dr. Steve Davis, who has held the position of interim commissioner since October 2024.
Her educational credentials include a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s in public health, and a doctor of public health, all from the University of Kentucky. This educational foundation has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the diverse health needs of the community. Over the years, she has been recognized as a strong advocate for public health, exhibiting her expertise on local, state, and national levels.
Background and Transition
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has been searching for a permanent commissioner for over a year. This search began after the resignation of the previous permanent commissioner, Dr. Joel McCullough, in July 2022, shortly after his five-month tenure. Following his departure, Dr. Sheila Owens-Collins was appointed in January 2023 but was dismissed after only three months in the role, leaving the department without a stable leader during critical public health challenges.
Majd Jabbour, the chairman of the board of health, underscored the importance of filling the commissioner position amid ongoing public health concerns, including a recent whooping cough outbreak that saw case numbers rise above 60. The health department plays a vital role in managing public health initiatives across Lexington-Fayette County, which is one of Kentucky’s largest health departments.
Key Responsibilities of the Health Department
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department operates a variety of health-related services and programs, including a medical clinic, restaurant inspections, school nurse programs, and a needle exchange program. The department is staffed by approximately 170 employees and has an annual operating budget that exceeds $30 million. This robust structure highlights the importance of effective leadership as it addresses public health needs.
Search Process for a New Commissioner
The search for Dr. Miller’s position involved the assistance of a consulting firm and began in September 2022. The board undertook interviews with various candidates, carefully considering numerous factors in their decision-making process. Recent changes in state law have also opened up the criteria for selecting commissioner candidates, allowing for individuals with a background in public health to be eligible for the role even without an MD.
The board hopes to finalize the appointment of a new health commissioner by January 2025. Although the reasons for the previous hires in this role not being selected remain confidential, the board’s decision to appoint Dr. Miller is seen as a step toward stabilizing the health department during a time of significant public health challenges.
Future Outlook
Dr. Miller has expressed her enthusiasm for serving her hometown of Lexington and is expected to bring her extensive experience and passion for public health to the forefront of her new position. As she steps into this crucial role, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department looks forward to improved management and innovative solutions to ongoing health issues.
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Additional Resources
- LEX18 News
- Wikipedia: Public Health
- WKYT News
- Google Search: Lexington Fayette County Health Department
- Kentucky.com
- Google Scholar: Public Health Leadership
- LEX18 Investigates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Health
- WTVQ News
- Google News: Lexington Fayette County Health Commissioner
