The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s Board of Health selected the winners of the 2008 Public Health Heroes Award to individuals who have demonstrated their dedication to improving the health of Lexington residents. The awards are given each April as part of National Public Health Awareness Week.

This year’s winners are:
• Dr. David Stevens, a retired orthopedic surgeon and former chief of staff at Shriners Hospital for Children, has made a lifelong commitment to public service and bettering the health of Fayette County residents. Dr. Stevens is currently serving his 15th year on the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council and spent five years on the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s Board of Health. Dr. Stevens played an active role in the adoption of Lexington’s smoking ordinance, working tirelessly in support of the legislation that passed in July 2003. He remains active in many civic organizations, currently serving on boards for Bluegrass Airport, the Boy Scouts and Kentucky Blood Center.

• The late Dr. Doane Fischer, who died April 7 at the age of 84, spent more than 50 years improving the lives of Kentuckians through his medical work and teaching. Throughout his life, he remained committed to providing medical care for those in need, particularly children and those unable to pay for services. In 1969, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine recruited Dr. Fischer to establish the Division of General Pediatrics, where he remained director of the pediatric clinic until 1988. In 1989, he became the medical director of the Family Care Center Health, a clinic providing comprehensive services to underprivileged children and families. Dr. Fischer also served on the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s Board of Health from July 1993 until August 2004, serving as chairman during his last year.

The award winners will be recognized at the April 14 Board of Health meeting held at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, 650 Newtown Pike, and at the April 15 Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting.