New commissioner of Kentucky Department for Public Health selected

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health has been selected.

Dr. John Langefled will take on the role as Dr. Steven Stack transitions to his new role of Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary July 1.

Langefled has experience across clinical care, health care policy and Medicaid services.

"Team Kentucky believes that health care is a basic human right – one which Dr. Langefeld has dedicated his life to," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. "With his wealth of experience and proven commitment to the health and well-being of Kentuckians, I am confident that Dr. Langefeld will help us build on our efforts to keep Kentuckians informed, healthy and safe."

Langefeld currently serves as the Medical Director for Health Insights and Innovation at CHFS, leading Kentucky's Health Quality Initiative.

"My focus will be on shifting our focus upstream, from not only treating illness but nurturing health and well-being," Langefeld said in the release. "This means enhancing social supports, expanding mental health resources, prioritizing preventive screenings, enhancing health policy through community engagement, and innovative, data-driven strategies. Our true measure of success will not just be the treatments we deliver, but how the people in our communities grow healthier, stronger and more resilient."

The Kentucky Department for Public Health is responsible for developing and operating state public health programs and activities for Kentuckians.

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