Latest News
27 October 2026
Member Spotlight - October, 2026
Blake Johnson Regional Epidemiologist
Introduction I currently serve as the regional epidemiologist for the Pennyrile region of western Kentucky and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Public Health Association (KPHA).
Professional Background I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Environmental Health from E…
13 October 2026
Webinar: Maternal Behavioral Health in Kentucky: Insights from a Home Visiting Lens
The presentation will start by exploring the importance of maternal behavioral health in Kentucky, and ways that the HANDS program can support families. The bulk of the presentation will focus on an evaluation of how HANDS serves families with behavioral health needs, from a family perspective, a home visitor perspective, and a community perspective. As we explore barriers, opportunities, and act…
15 September 2026
Member Spotlight - September, 2026
Megan Million EKU Bachelors of Public Health student.
Introduction KDPH Lung Cancer Screening Program Intern. EKU Public Health Honors society, Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) President.
Professional Background I am a bachelor of public health undergraduate student at Eastern Kentucky University. I am also on a pre-professional pre-medical track and working towards a minor in substance use prevention…
13 August 2026
Member Spotlight - August, 2026
Destiny Carte Epidemiologist II, HIV Surveillance, Department for Public Health
Introduction I am an epidemiologist with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH), where I work in HIV Surveillance with a focus on laboratory reporting, data quality and informatics. Through KPHA, I have had the opportunity to connect with public health professionals across disciplines, share work related…
15 July 2026
2026 Recipient: Kentucky Health Departments Association
The Kentucky Health Departments Association (KHDA) has played a pivotal role in strengthening Kentucky's public health system through workforce development and capacity-building initiatives that directly support the state's 61 local health departments. Since 2024, KHDA has provided workforce readiness funding to 32 local health departments, enabling more than 90 local public health staff to rece…
01 July 2026
Member Spotlight - July, 2026
Jim House Human Services Program Branch Manager/Workforce Director
Introduction Jim is an active participant in the Kentucky Public Health Association (KPHA) where he creates workforce development opportunities and career pathways for Kentucky’s public health workforce.
Professional Background Jim has been with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) since 2007. During his years wi…
01 May 2026
Kentucky Overdose Deaths Down 22.9% in 2025
Marking four consecutive years of progress statewide driven by harm reduction and expanded access to care.
Featured Story: Kentucky Reports Fourth Consecutive Year of Decline in Overdose Deaths
Kentucky is continuing to make meaningful progress in addressing the overdose crisis, with newly released data showing a 22.9% decrease in overdose deaths in 2025—marking the fourth consecutive year of…
27 April 2026
Member Spotlight - April, 2026
Ethan Heck Biostatistics Intern.
Introduction I am a student member of KPHA and attended the 2026 student day. While at student day, I participated in the 3-minute thesis competition. I also attended all student related sessions that day, and stayed for the duration of the conference.
Professional Background I am graduating (ed) with my Master's in Biostatistics from the University of Kentu…