Mark Thomas announced as Healthy Kentucky Champion

Louisville, KY (August 23, 2022) – Mark Thomas is one of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky’s 2022 Healthy Kentucky Champions. The awards recognize individuals dedicated to improving the health of Kentuckians at a community level and/or state level.

Thomas, Todd County Schools superintendent, was instrumental in establishing the “AXIS Program: Centering All Services,” in the district. In partnership with the Todd County Health Department, the program addresses students’ social and emotional wellbeing through mental health case management. The program also assists with basic needs such as nutrition, clothing, toiletries, housing, transportation, and treatment for substance use disorder. Thomas played a crucial role in gaining needed buy-in of the program from staff and the community. Through his support, the program is expanding services to include parenting classes, prenatal classes, and mental health awareness programs for students and staff.

Thomas began his career in Shelby County in 1996 as a middle school teacher. He has served in a number of school and district administrative roles across Kentucky before starting his current position in 2020.

“Youth are dealing with a lot right now, but the students in Todd County have an amazing leader looking out for them,” said Ben Chandler, president and CEO, Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. “Mark Thomas’s influence and leadership with the AXIS program has done tremendous good for his school district.”

Thomas is one of seven 2022 Healthy Kentucky Champions. Nominations for next year’s class will be accepted starting in October.