The Todd County School District superintendent has been named one of seven people in the 2022 class of Healthy Kentucky Champions by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
The award recognizes people dedicated to improving the health of Kentuckians at a community or state level.
Mark Thomas was instrumental in establishing the “AXIS Program: Centering All Services,” in the school district. In partnership with the Todd County Health Department, the program addresses students’ social and emotional well-being 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.
According to a release from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, Thomas played a crucial role in gaining the needed buy-in of the program from the school staff and the Todd County 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 and six others named Healthy Kentucky Champions are eligible for the 2022 Gil Friedell Memorial Health Policy Champion Award which comes with a $5,000 grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky to a Kentucky-based nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
This year’s Friedell Award winner will be announced on October 17.