Dr. John Langefeld to Take Over as Kentucky's Commissioner of Public Health from July 1, as announced by KDPH.
New Commissioner of Public Health in Kentucky Aims to Shift Focus to Health and Well-being
Dr. John Langefeld has been appointed as Kentucky's Commissioner of Public Health, effective July 1. Langefeld, a native Kentuckian, brings over three decades of health care leadership experience to the role.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) is responsible for developing and operating state public health programs and activities for all Kentuckians. As the new Commissioner, Langefeld will oversee and guide public health initiatives in Kentucky.
Gov. Andy Beshear praised Langefeld's experience in clinical care, health care policy, and Medicaid services. In the past, Langefeld served as Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services Chief Medical Officer. Currently, he serves as the medical director for health insights and innovation at CHFS.
Langefeld's focus as commissioner will be on shifting the focus from treating illness to nurturing health and well-being. He aims to enhance social supports, expand mental health resources, prioritize preventive screenings, and implement innovative, data-driven strategies.
The mission of KDPH is to improve the health and safety of people in Kentucky through prevention of negative health outcomes, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and protection from diseases, injury, and environmental health impacts. In summary, Langefeld's role is to lead KDPH in advancing public health efforts statewide, leveraging his extensive experience to improve health services, combat health crises, and promote wellness within Kentucky’s communities.
The success of Langefeld's tenure will be measured by the growth in health, strength, and resilience of communities in Kentucky. For more information about KDPH, visit chfs.ky.gov.
Dr. Steven Stack will transition to the role of secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services secretary on July 1.
Langefeld completed his residency in family medicine at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood and is a diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and his bachelor's degree in biology from Berea College.
Outside of his professional life, Langefeld enjoys traveling and spending quality time with friends and family. He and his wife, Jessica, have five children, one grandchild, and a Bichon.
Langefeld leads Kentucky's Health Quality Initiative. He is excited to begin his tenure as Commissioner and looks forward to working towards a healthier and stronger Kentucky.
- Dr. John Langefeld, the new Commissioner of Public Health in Kentucky, aims to shift the focus from treating illness to nurturing health and well-being, targeting areas such as social supports, mental health resources, preventive screenings, and data-driven strategies within the community.
- In line with the mission of KDPH to improve health and safety, Langefelds's role is to lead public health efforts statewide, leveraging his extensive experience to improve health services, combat health crises, and promote wellness.
- The success of Langefeld's tenure will be measured by the growth in health, strength, and resilience of communities in Kentucky, advocating for policies and legislation that prioritize health-and-wellness, workplace-wellness, and environmental health.
- Given his background in clinical care, health care policy, and Medicaid services, Langefeld will oversee and guide public health initiatives in Kentucky, collaborating with government officials, healthcare professionals, and the general news media for the betterment of Kentucky's residents' mental, physical health.
- As the Kentucky Department for Public Health works towards its goal of protecting citizens from diseases, injury, and environmental health impacts, it also encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and engagement in health-related policy and legislation discussions, as politics plays a significant role in shaping the future of public health in Kentucky.
