Latest News
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 recei…
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…
31 March 2026
2026 Letter from the KPHA President
KPHA Members,
It is hard to believe that another year has passed and that we have started the 2026-2027 year for the Kentucky Public Health Association! Being given the opportunity to serve as President of this amazing organization is truly an honor, and something that I do not take lightly. I am excited to see what we as an organization can do over the next year, and I hope that you are as well…
17 February 2026
Member Spotlight - February, 2026
Laurie Larkin, BSPH, MPH Associate Professor - Eastern Kentucky University
Introduction I have served for the past 4 years on the KPHA Board of Directors.
Professional Background Laurie received her undergraduate degrees in Physical Education and Health Education from UW-River Falls, her master's degree in Exercise Physiology from UW-La Crosse, and her PhD in Health Promotion from Purdue Un…
28 January 2026
Member Spotlight - January, 2026
Dr. Stephanie Lokits, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC Director of Clinical Services
Introduction I currently service as the Director of Clinical Services within the Division of Health Services for Louisville Metro Department for Public Health and Wellness. In this role, I provide high level oversight for multiple departments, including the Immunization Clinic, Specialty Clinic, Regional Tuberculosis Clinic…