LEXINGTON, Ky. — Dr. Steve Davis, Medical Director of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, was inducted into the University of Kentucky College of Public Health's 2025 Hall of Fame and awarded the prestigious Hume Medallion on October 17 at The Carrick House in recognition of his transformative leadership in public health.

Davis was honored alongside Dr. William Hacker, former Kentucky Health Commissioner, and Mark Birdwhistell, UK Senior Vice President for Health and Public Policy, for their roles in establishing Kentucky HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Services), a statewide maternal and child health network that delivers home visiting and systems-level support to families across the Commonwealth. Davis was referred to as the "Father of HANDS" during the ceremony.

The Hume Medallion is the UK College of Public Health's highest award, recognizing exceptional service to the nation, Kentucky, the university, or the college itself. Research has shown that HANDS participants had lower rates of preterm delivery and low birth weight infants, and were significantly less likely to have substantiated reports of child maltreatment compared to non-participants.

"If you keep the family as your focus then great things will come together," Davis said upon receiving the award. Dr. Hacker noted that the recognition "came as a total surprise" and was "a true honor, especially considering prior recipients," while Birdwhistell called it "both humbling and affirming, because it reflects our collective, lifelong commitment to public health policy and improving the lives of Kentuckians."

Davis brings decades of public health expertise, having served 17 years in state government and establishing several early childhood development programs, including Birth Defects Prevention, Healthy Start in Child Care, Immunizations for Underinsured Children, Early Childhood Mental Health, and Oral Health for Children. He was also instrumental in developing six Diabetes Centers of Excellence across the state.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department said it takes "immense pride" in Davis's achievement, which underscores the department's commitment to family-centered public health solutions strengthening communities across Kentucky.