The new interim commissioner for the Fayette County Health Department has some 48 years of experience in the medical field. And a great deal of that time, including 17 years of public health in state government, is found in Dr. Steve Davis. The Fayette County Health Department has been searching for a permanent commissioner since the spring of 2023. Davis said the process is complicated by physicians’ interest in specialty medicine. “The number of people that really want to step out of that specialization world and really look at a community-wide effort to help move the needle. It just doesn’t seem like there’s as many now as there used to be,” said Davis. Dr. Davis sees his role as offering continuity and helping to stabilize the ship. Davis anticipates a permanent commissioner being found in the next few months. Davis said the pressing public health issues include addressing chronic disease and substance use. “I’d be remiss too if I didn’t acknowledge behavioral health. And that’s why I say health is more than just sewing up a six-inch cut on your arm you know. It’s very wide-angled,” said Davis. Davis has been serving as medical director at the Fayette Health Department. He said it takes multiple partners to make the health needle move. Davis noted the search is on for the right person as permanent commissioner to lead the department for decades to come. ** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation. The post Fayette Health Department is still seeking a permanent commissioner appeared first on The Lexington Times.