Perman Selected as the 2010 Public Health Hero

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 28, 2010) − The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s Board of Health recognized Dr. Jay Perman, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and vice president for clinical affairs, as the 2010 Public Health Hero at the recent Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting. Perman received this recognition for his dedication to improving the health of Lexington residents.

The Board of Health gave special emphasis to Perman’s involvement with the UK Jumpin’ Jaguars after-school program that meets twice a week to promote healthy, active lifestyles. Students are kept active and engaged through hip-hop dance, swimming, Jazzercise and energetic games.

“We are grateful for the Lexington community recognizing the lasting impact of one of our very own – a man who has created a legacy at UK, in our local community and across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Michael Karpf, UK’s executive vice president for health affairs. “We appreciate Dean Perman’s compassion, service and contribution to the UK HealthCare enterprise over the past six years and celebrate with him as this year’s public health hero.”

The College of Medicine launched the program in 2006 at Johnson Elementary School where “UK Jumpin’ Jaguars” received its name after the school’s mascot. Johnson has since closed, but the program is held at the new school – William Wells Brown Elementary – and is led by the physical education teacher and school social worker. Students from the UK Colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health serve as coaches to lead the program participants. 

Perman will also be recognized at the Board of Health meeting on May 10 held at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, 650 Newtown Pike.

For more information about the UK Jumpin’ Jaguars program visit: http://www.mc.uky.edu/pediatrics/jump.asp.