Dr. John Langefeld to become new commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health on July 1
Kentucky Health News
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday, June 17, that Dr. John Langefeld will become the new commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health on July 1.
Langefeld succeeds Dr. Steven Stack, who will transition to his new role as the Cabinet for Health and Family Services secretary on July 1.
“Team Kentucky believes that health care is a basic human right – one which Dr. Langefeld has dedicated his life to,” 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. The release notes that he has more than 30 years of health care leadership experience, including having served as the chief medical officer of the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services.
“I am honored to continue serving Kentucky in this critical capacity. 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.”
KDPH is responsible for developing and operating state public health programs and activities for all Kentuckians. Its mission is to “improve the health and safety of people in Kentucky through prevention of negative health outcomes, promotion of healthy lifestyles and protection from diseases, injury and environmental health impacts,” according to the release.
“Our work is about real people, with real lives, whose stories intersect at the crossroads of policy and practice,” saiLangefeld. “When we align our efforts around true health, rather than isolated programs, we can deliver life-changing outcomes for every Kentuckian. My ‘why’ is simple: I believe in Kentucky, in our people, in the power of shared purpose, and the promise of collective action. Together, let’s ensure every heartbeat in our commonwealth resonates with vitality and hope.”
According to the release, Langefeld is a native Kentuckian and earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine after graduating from Berea College with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He completed his residency in family medicine at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine.