Debbie Bell, RD, LD, CDCES, MLDE
Health Education Director
Franklin County Health Department
Debbie Bell is described as representing her health department with not only professionalism, but also grace, distinction, and pride. She has worked in public health for 25 years, demonstrating long-term commitment, innovation and a passion for improving the health of Kentuckians. She is passionate about health education, is a licensed diabetes educator and the lead facilitator of the Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Program at her health department. She partnered with CenterWell Senior Primary Care to increase access by making DSME available via telehealth. She formed a 501c3 for the Franklin Co Diabetes Coalition, which has been recognized for their innovative classes, community events and youth and parent support and education. She is said to be the driving force of the Diabetes Prevention Program as well and “is always willing to help others to live their best life.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led weekly updates on the local TV station by interviewing local leaders, such as the public health director, mayor, county judge executive, school superintendent, to name a few. Through this she became a friendly and trusted face in a time of adversity and, often, misinformation.
She has worked in every program that health education offers from puberty to smoking cession and truly cares for each and every community member. She is held in high regard by her co-workers. As beautifully stated by John C. Maxwell, “a leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” She is said to embody these qualities in every aspect of her work and to be an exceptional leader.