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 Eastern Kentucky University. I also hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) with an emphasis in Disaster and Collective Trauma from Tulane University. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Public Health Leadership at the University of Kentucky.

I began my public health career in 2016 as a local epidemiologist with the Christian County Health Department. In 2021, I transitioned to a regional epidemiologist position serving the Purchase region of western Kentucky, and in 2026, I transitioned to my current role as the regional epidemiologist for the Pennyrile region.

Throughout my career, I have gained experience in infectious disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, emergency preparedness, and public health response. My work has included preparedness and planning for large-scale events, such as the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, as well as responding to public health emergencies, including Kentucky's Hepatitis A outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, the measles outbreak.

KPHA Involvement
I have had the opportunity to present twice at KPHA's Annual Conference, sharing my professional experiences and contributing to discussions about public health practice. These experiences have allowed me to connect with public health professionals from different disciplines and regions of Kentucky and gain a broader understanding of the challenges facing public health across the Commonwealth.

I recently accepted the role of Co-Chair of the Advocacy and Governance Committee alongside Meagan Hurst. As I transition into this new leadership role, I look forward to working with Meagan and fellow committee members to support KPHA's advocacy efforts, strengthen engagement among public health professionals, and help ensure that the experiences and perspectives of Kentucky's public health workforce are represented in conversations that influence public health practice and policy.

Personal Insights:
My passion for public health comes from the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Throughout my career, I have learned that public health is about much more than collecting data, investigating outbreaks, or implementing interventions. It is about understanding people, building relationships, and recognizing that every community has unique experiences and challenges that influence how they interact with the public health system.

Working through major public health emergencies, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, has challenged some of my own assumptions about what makes public health interventions effective. I have learned that having the right information does not necessarily mean people will be receptive to it. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is listen, try to understand perspectives that differ from our own, and recognize when our traditional approaches may not be meeting the needs of the people we are trying to reach.

Perhaps the hardest lesson I have learned is that you cannot effectively take care of others if you are not taking care of yourself. Public health professionals often feel a tremendous responsibility to the communities they serve, particularly during emergencies when the needs seem endless. I have learned that taking care of ourselves is not separate from our responsibility to serve others, but an essential part of being able to continue doing this work.

Accomplishments & Recognition
One of my most meaningful professional accomplishments was being part of the regional epidemiology team recognized with KPHA's 2025 Group Award. This recognition was particularly meaningful because it reflected the collective efforts of regional epidemiologists across Kentucky and the importance of collaboration and teamwork in public health.

I am also proud of the opportunities I have had to contribute to significant public health responses throughout my career. While these experiences have often been challenging, they have strengthened my skills as an epidemiologist, contributed to my professional growth, and given me the opportunity to work alongside dedicated public health professionals across the Commonwealth.

KPHA & Public Health in the Future
I believe the future of public health will require us to be more adaptable, collaborative, and intentional about building relationships with the communities we serve. The challenges we have faced in recent years, particularly during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated that public health cannot rely solely on scientific evidence and traditional approaches to improve health outcomes. We must also recognize the importance of communication, community engagement, and rebuilding trust in public health institutions.

I see KPHA continuing to play an important role in advocating for Kentucky's public health workforce, strengthening partnerships, and creating opportunities for professional development and collaboration. As public health professionals face increasingly complex challenges, I believe it will be important for KPHA to continue elevating the voices of those working at the local and regional levels and ensuring their experiences help inform decisions that affect public health practice across the Commonwealth. I also hope to see a greater emphasis on workforce well-being and sustainability, recognizing that supporting the people who dedicate their careers to protecting the health of others is essential to maintaining a strong public health system.

When I think about the future of public health, I often think about the analogy of babies floating down a river. We can continue pulling babies out of the water, one after another, but at some point, someone has to walk upstream and figure out why they are falling into the river in the first place. I believe public health often finds itself in a similar position, responding to one crisis after another without always having the time, resources, or support to address the underlying factors contributing to those challenges. While emergency preparedness and response will always be essential, I hope the future of public health places greater emphasis on prevention, addressing root causes, and building stronger relationships with communities before the next crisis occurs. Ultimately, I believe KPHA has an important role to play in helping move Kentucky's public health system toward a more proactive, sustainable, and community-centered approach.

Personal Interests, Hobbies, Future Goals/Aspirations
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, Hemingway, a Cockapoo, and Roosevelt, a Miniature Schnauzer, who keep life interesting. I love reading, exploring backroads in my Ford Bronco, and paddle-boarding during the warmer months. I'm also a Nashville Predators hockey fan and enjoy attending games, going to concerts, and spending as much time as possible sitting on a beach. I have a fascination with cryptids, folklore, and the unexplained, and I'm always interested in a good mystery. One of my favorite traditions is taking an annual grandfather-granddaughter trip with my grandfather, giving us an opportunity to explore new places and make memories together.

Advice and Tips
One of the most important pieces of advice I would offer to other public health professionals is to remain curious and never stop growing. It can be easy to become comfortable with the way we have always done things, particularly when those approaches have worked in the past. However, some of the most valuable lessons I've learned have come from experiences that pushed me outside my comfort zone or challenged me to approach situations differently. Public health is constantly evolving, and we have to be willing to challenge ourselves, learn from others, and recognize that we don't always have all the answers.

What I value most about KPHA is the opportunity to connect with public health professionals from different disciplines and regions of Kentucky. These connections provide opportunities to learn from one another, share experiences, and better understand the challenges facing public health across the Commonwealth. I would encourage others to become involved with KPHA, not only for professional development and networking but also for the opportunity to contribute to a collective voice advocating for Kentucky's public health workforce.