Lexington has two recipients of the 2025 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero Award: Dr. Abeni El-Amin and Dr. Lindsey Jasinski. The award is given annually from the Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health to individuals who have demonstrated their dedication to improving the health of Lexington residents. The winners are announced each April as part of National Public Health Week (April 7-13, 2025).

Dr. Abeni El-Amin

Dr. El-Amin, president of Project Ricochet Inc., “has been a tireless advocate for health equity, dedicating her career to reducing health disparities, expanding access to healthcare and empowering marginalized communities,” her nomination stated. “She has pioneered initiatives that address chronic disease prevention, mental health awareness and social determinants of health.”

“Dr. El-Amin’s profound dedication to public health, education and community empowerment has left a lasting mark on Lexington,” the nomination continued.” Her visionary leadership embodies the spirit of Dr. Rice C. Leach.”

To learn more, please read Dr. El-Amin’s complete nomination: 2025 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero nomination for Dr. Abeni El-Amin.

Dr. Lindsey Jasinski

Dr. Jasinski, chief administrative officer at Eastern State Hospital, “led efforts to develop and stand up the first EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treating and Healing) unit in Kentucky” to provide emergency care to patients experiencing a mental health crisis, her nomination stated. Working with community partners throughout Lexington, “this new unit addresses a critical need in a way that is compassionate and effective.”

“Behavioral health is a key aspect of public health,” the nomination continued, “and Dr. Jasinski’s brilliant work is ‘helping Lexington be well.’”

To learn more, please read Dr. El-Amin’s complete nomination: 2025 Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Hero nomination for Dr. Lindsey Jasinski.

Both award recipients will be recognized at the April 14 Board of Health meeting at 5:45 p.m. at 650 Newtown Pike. Mayor Linda Gorton and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council will honor the winners at a later council meeting.

Previously known as the Public Health Hero Award, the Board of Health renamed the award in 2016 in memory of the late Dr. Rice C. Leach, Lexington’s former Commissioner of Health who spent more than 50 years as a public health physician. Leach died April 1, 2016.