Congratulations to our own Dr. Steve Davis, Medical Director of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, who was inducted into the University of Kentucky College of Public Health’s 2025 Hall of Fame and awarded the prestigious Hume Medallion on October 17 at The Carrick House in Lexington. Dr. Davis was recognized alongside Dr. William Hacker, former Kentucky Health Commissioner, and Mark Birdwhistell, UK Senior Vice President for Health and Public Policy, for their transformative leadership in establishing Kentucky HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Services), a statewide maternal and child health network providing home visiting and systems-level support to families throughout the Commonwealth.  Dr. Davis was referred to as the ”Father of HANDS” during the ceremony.

The Hume Medallion, the College’s highest honor for exceptional service to Kentucky and beyond, celebrates the trio’s enduring contributions to public health. Reflecting on the award, Dr. Davis stated, “If you keep the family as your focus then great things will come together.” Dr. Hacker noted that the recognition “came as a total surprise” and was “a true honor, especially considering prior recipients,” while Birdwhistell described it as “both humbling and affirming, because it reflects our collective, lifelong commitment to public health policy and improving the lives of Kentuckians.”

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department takes immense pride in Dr. Davis’s achievement, which underscores our ongoing commitment to innovative, family-centered public health solutions that strengthen communities across Kentucky. We are so thankful to have him as part of our team!