HANDS honors Spence’s retirement after 23 years at LFCHD

The HANDS program recently celebrated Debbie Spence’s 23 years of service of with the Health Department and her retirement from the agency. Her history with LFCHD spans through many different divisions. She worked seven years in the Primary Care Clinic, seven years in the physician’s/medical office, one year in billing and eight years in her current position as a HANDS family support worker.

She declined an agency retirement reception and instead requested that an equivalent monetary donation be made to HANDS for the purchase of books.

“She will be dearly missed by her colleagues and HANDS families,” said Moni Shields, HANDS team leader.

Debbie’s short-term retirement goals are to rest and relax. We wish her all the best!

WIC celebrates surpassing goal

After demolishing a goal to increase the number of new participants, the WIC team spent part of Thursday morning’s staff meeting celebrating with food and games.

Earlier this year, the WIC clinic received an ultimatum from the state to either increase numbers or lose funding. With a goal placed at 250 new participants by June 30, the team faced a challenge but responded with vigorous and aggressive measures. This included more appointment slots, more walk-ins accepted and increased outreach.

To say it worked would be an understatement.

Thanks to the hard work of the team, 305 new participants in Lexington are now using our WIC services, which provide important nutrition to moms and children!

“That is HUGE!” WIC Team Leader Nkeshia Coleman said. “I could not be more proud and thankful to be a part of such a great team.”

The WIC team is made up of the following:
Stephanie Anklan
Doraine Bailey
Guadalupe Blankenship
Nkeshia Coleman
Trina Diuguid
Kelli Gould
Zinder Morris
Hannah Newsome
Laura Oliver
Veronica Perrin
Jenny Preston
Jenna Schwartz
Mayra Shields
Rebekah Shoopman
Kelli Zik
Daniela Davidenko
Maria De La Fuente

Mock’s family gives thanks for gift

Sam Mock, who many of you know from his time spent as part of the cleaning agency at 805 Newtown Circle, recently died from cancer. A team of LFCHD staff, led by Jennifer Wyatt, Lindsey Earlywine and Abby Sargent, collected funds to provide to his family in an effort to show how much they cared about Sam.

“I used to drop Sam off on days we had bad weather so he didn’t have to ride the bus to downtown just to turn around and get on another one so he could get home,” Sargent said. “Trenna Vandergrift would call him on the days we would close due to weather after one day seeing him come to work when we closed but he never received our calls because he was not a health department employee.”

Sargent delivered the money to Sam’s mother, who became emotional while sharing her thanks. “God bless you all, baby,” Sargent recalled Sam’s mother saying. “Every little bit helps, but this is such a blessing right now!”

Sam’s mother sent several programs from his funeral so they could be shared with people at the health department. “Of course it had Sam’s favorite team (UK) all over it,” Sargent said. “I know lots of us knew Sam and always spoke to him. He is very much missed, especially in the mornings when he would always say hello with a huge smile.”

Welcome new employees!

Please take a moment to welcome the newest employees of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

Erin C. Perry
School Health/PH Nurse Specialist

Employee Association provides free Kona Ice to staff

The Employee Association offered a summer treat to LFCHD staff yesterday by providing a free Kona Ice to the 74 people who took part. Thanks to EA for providing this!

Moon wins LFCHD worksite wellness challenge

Julie Moon receives a Fitbit Charge HR from Ruben Perez for being LFCHD’s most-active employee during the Bluegrass Wellness at Work competition. The award was provided by the LFCHD Wellness Committee. Moon racked up points by entering her time spent exercising, working around her home and daily LFCHD duties. This included:
• Home repair
• Landscaping
• Walking around her neighborhood
• Walking instead of driving
• Standing (at work and at home)

Congratulations, Julie, and thanks to all who participated!

Heart to Hart: Admin hosts baby shower

The administration team held a baby shower for Jeanette Hart, who is expecting her first child this fall. Hart, the executive assistant to Dr. Leach, has been with the health department since November 2007.

Free shirts prove popular

With comparisons to The Hunger Games and Black Friday shopping, LFCHD staff descended upon the third-floor admin area last week for free T-shirts and navy polos. The bulk of the shirts, which were leftovers from long-ago orders, were snapped up within a couple of hours, but a few still remain.

Anyone still in need of a men’s XL or women’s XXL can come check out the remaining inventory or contact Bailey Preston (ext. 2358) or Kevin Hall (ext. 2384).

Diabetes program offering community class

Please check out the latest information from our diabetes program about an upcoming class. Please share this with anyone you think would be interested, including clients, patients, friends or family.

Back to school

LFCHD school nurses partnered with HealthFirst Bluegrass nurses to staff the first-aid station at a Fayette County Public Schools event at Masterson Station to welcome the new superintendent, Emmanuel “Manny” Caulk. Pictured are Laura Proctor, Barbara Hargis and Lois Davis.