Murray Mayor Jack Rose named a Healthy Ky. Policy Champion; among winners eligible for top award to be made Sept. 24

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky has named Murray Mayor Jack Rose a Healthy Kentucky Policy Champion for his work to improve local health by successfully pushing for a smoke-free ordinance in the city. It takes effect in October.

"Mayor Rose was the primary impetus behind adoption of a comprehensive smoke-free law in Murray, one of only two such laws in the western third of the state," Dona Rains, director of community outreach at Baptist Health Paducah and a member of the foundation's board of directors, said in the news release. Rains nominated Rose for the award.

Foundation President and CEO Ben Chandler said, "He is an ideal recipient of this award because he did his homework to put forth an ordinance based firmly in science, rounded up the necessary community and city council support, and got it passed without a lot of delay. Murray will see great health and economic benefits from his leadership on this issue."

Rose was elected mayor in 2014. He previously served as Murray State University's faculty regent, was dean of its College of Education in 1998-2003 and was Calloway County school superintendent for 21 years. He has been chairman of the Murray-Calloway County Hospital; president of the board of the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association; and president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, an accreditation organization.

Earlier the same week, the foundation named as champions Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless, for her leadership in enacting a stronger city smoking ban, and Dr. Van Breeding of Whitesburg, for leadership in fighting the substance-use crisis in Eastern Kentucky. Earlier winners were Paducah cardiologist Pat Withrow, 19 Casey County High School students, Lexington Legends owner Andy Shea and Lexington Mayor Jim Gray, all of whom took steps against use of tobacco, a main cause of Kentucky's health problems.

The winners are eligible for the Healthy Kentucky Policy Champion of the Year award, which comes with a $5,000 grant from the foundation to a Kentucky-based nonprofit of the winner's choice. The winner of that award will be announced on Sept. 24 at the foundation's Howard L. Bost Memorial Health Policy Forum in Lexington.

Nominations for the Healthy Kentucky Policy Champion Award are accepted at any time. A nomination must also be supported by a member of the foundation's board or Community Advisory Council; details are on the foundation's website.