Vivian A. Lasley-Bibbs Changemaker Award

Maria Church, ADAC
Access and Functional Needs Program Coordinator
Kentucky Department for Public Health

The Vivian A. Lasley-Bibbs Changemaker Award honors those who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing health equity. This award recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations whose innovative ideas and solutions have significantly improved health outcomes for historically marginalized and minoritized communities. It celebrates champions who actively engage in promoting equality and justice, advocate for addressing health injustices, and foster education as a cornerstone of community advancement.

This year’s recipient embodies the spirit of the award through tireless efforts to ensure inclusivity and equity in emergency preparedness and response. Their leadership has been pivotal in developing whole-community plans that address the diverse needs of individuals with access and functional challenges. Through strategic collaborations, the recipient has enhanced statewide emergency readiness, ensuring that the voices of those often overlooked are heard and prioritized.

Their remarkable initiatives include launching a statewide collaborative that unites key organizations to strengthen support systems, creating accessible resources for local health departments, and implementing innovative tools to assist public safety partners.

Their work has not only set a standard for inclusive emergency preparedness but has also inspired a network of professionals committed to justice and equity.

It is with great honor that we announce the recipient of the Vivian A. Lasley-Bibbs Changemaker Award: Maria Church.

Angela J. Graham, MPH, CPH
Executive Administrator, Research and Academic Partnerships and Interim Director
Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness

Angela Graham is the interim director for Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness’ (LMPHW) Center for Health Equity (CHE), a role she has twice stepped in to fill. Angela is a passionate data-driven strategist. Her career has focused on the use of research and data to develop programs and strategies across private, public, and non-profit sectors to promote equitable health outcomes in Louisville. She has been a consistent guiding force at LMPHW. Under her leadership, the Center for Health Equity completed and released its 2024 Health Equity Report and launched a companion public-facing health equity data dashboard that provides a current data snapshot of the city’s overall health. The dashboard includes demographics as well as root cause analyses for several health outcomes. Angela also led the development of the 2024 Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan process. As executive administrator for the research and academic partnership team she has enhanced academic partnerships and internships. She has led LMPHW’s efforts toward data modernization and the roll out of their data maturity model. Angela also coordinated implementation of the multi-sector Louisville Metro Government’s Vision Zero Task Force Post-Crash Care initiative. Post-Crash Care is a key goal that uses a public health and equity framework to improve the survivability rate and recovery from motor vehicle collisions. Angela is a passionate and effective public health leader at the highest level; proving that data-driven, evidence-based strategies can reduce health inequities in public health.

Vivian A. Lasley-Bibbs, MPH
Previous Director of the Office of Health Equity, Kentucky Department for Public Health
Director of Disease Intervention Initiatives, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)
Received by Mr. Phillip Bibbs, Ms. Carrie Lasley, Ms. Maria Lasley, Heather Crabbe, Nick Crabbe, and Karla Thompson

Vivian held a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kentucky State University and a master’s degree in Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She was also a graduate of the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Kentucky’s College of Health Sciences. She continued to expand her knowledge base by taking doctorate-level courses in Public Health with an Epidemiology concentration at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. Vivian demonstrated a clear passion for advancing population health and strived to improve health disparities in marginalized and minority populations. She also engaged with national, regional and state public health organizations, as well as civic and community-based organizations.

Vivian was instrumental in the initiation of the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Office of Health Equity (OHE). She served as Director and Epidemiologist for the OHE for 12 years (2011 – 2023), providing thoughtful guidance on how to integrate an equity lens into public health practice. During her time with KDPH, Vivian lead initiatives with thoughtfulness and grace, aways meeting folks with an infectious laugh and heartwarming smile. Vivian continued to support the growth of the public health workforce in her most recent position with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). Vivian contributed to the organization’s mission by leading workforce development initiatives in the field of disease intervention.

Advancing health equity ensures that all people have a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. KPHA is establishing this award to honor an individual, group or organization who implemented innovative ideas and solutions to advance health equity and ultimately improve health outcomes for historically marginalized and minoritized groups. The following additional criteria will be taken into consideration when reviewing applications:

• Actively engage in initiatives that promote equality and justice for all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, or physical ability.
• Advocates for and initiates dialogue and action to address health injustices affecting marginalized communities.
• Participates in activities that endorse education as a means of individual and community advancement and growth.