LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is accepting nominations for its 2026 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award, according to the health department's announcement. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated dedication to improving the health of Lexington residents.

Now in its 23rd year, the award honors those who show exemplary leadership in promoting public health, make remarkable contributions to public health programs, and positively impact the community's health through their work or actions. The health department is seeking nominations from the public through Feb. 28 for consideration.

The award was renamed in 2016 to honor the late Dr. Rice C. Leach, who served as Lexington's Commissioner of Health for five years before passing away in April 2016 following a battle with cancer. The Board of Health renamed the award "so future generations will know what a true public health super hero is," according to the health department.

Interested parties can nominate candidates by visiting www.lfchd.org/public-health-hero-award-nomination. Nominations should include the nominee's name, professional title and organization, contact information, and a description of up to 200 words explaining why the person is worthy of the award. Nominators must provide their own name and contact information.

The Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health will make the final determination, and the winner will receive special recognition from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. The award is presented each April during National Public Health Week. Recent recipients include Dr. Abeni El-Amin and Dr. Lindsey Jasinski in 2025, and Vivian Lasley-Bibbs in 2024.