New Fayette Health Department Board Chair Discusses Vision for Expanded Services and Potential Growth

New Chairperson of Fayette Health Department Board Talks About Potential Growth in Services

The very recently appointed chair of the Fayette County Board of Health, Majd Jabbour, has laid out his vision for the growth of medical services and programs in the area through strategic partnerships. Majd Jabbour, who is the practice manager in ambulatory pediatrics at the University of Kentucky and has been serving on the board since 2019, began his tenure as Board Chair this July.

Revitalizing Public Health Faith Amid Pandemic

During his inaugural talks, Jabbour openly observed the diverse views and discussions that have polarized public health especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, “Public health saw tumultuous times during the pandemic where people had differing faith levels in it.” Recognizing the importance of public perspective, Jabbour aims to rekindle trust and drive a consistent, relatable message that connects people to public health initiatives.

The Growth Vision

Complimenting this vision, Jabbour signaled the necessity for public health to extend beyond pandemic response and towards a comprehensive growth of existing programs as well as robust community outreach. He believes that effective collaborations with local hospitals and health departments can greatly facilitate the realization of this vision.

Searching for a New Health Commissioner

The Lexington-Fayette Health Department has been operating without a permanent commissioner for over a year. Some short-term appointments, including Dr. Sheila Owens-Collins, did not fulfill the role for an extended period. Addressing this concern, Jabbour affirmed that the search for a suitable candidate is underway, but refrained from commenting on potential leads. He acknowledged the anticipation and frustration that this hiatus may be causing among staff, colleagues, and community.

Interim Chief Administrative Officer Jack Cornett is currently assuming the commissioner’s duties, and Jabbour expressed hopes of announcing a new permanent commissioner soon.

Call for Community Support

Reiterating the significance of community involvement in public health, Majd Jabbour invites every member of the society to support the health board’s endeavors. The future of public health and, inevitably, the health of the public lies in the hands of each individual. The collective efforts and backing of the community will help scale quality and accessibility of the health services in Fayette County.