FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 24, 2019
CONTACT: Emily Schott
KMA Communications Director
502-814-1388
schott@kyma.org
Students and Leaders of Johnson County Middle School Receive
KMA Debra K. Best Outstanding Layperson Award
LOUISVILLE, KY — The Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) presented its Debra K. Best Outstanding Layperson Award to students and leadership of Johnson County Middle School during the Leadership Dinner at the 2019 KMA Annual Meeting on Sept. 21.
The award is given to a non-physician or group in Kentucky who has made outstanding contributions in the field of public health and/or medical care. Several students, with support from school leadership, created a task force called “Juul Breakers” to address the issue of vaping and led a campaign titled “juulsnotkuul” to bring awareness and education to students about the dangers of e-cigarette use. The students also testified during the 2019 Kentucky General Assembly before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Senate Bill 218, which addressed student smoking and vaping prevention. Their tireless efforts drew the attention of numerous community leaders and state legislators.
“At an age and a time in their lives when it is easy to be influenced by peers, pressured to fit in and “be cool,” these students have taken the courageous step to help address this significant public health battle, even at times facing bullying and hateful comments, in an effort to protect the health of their generation.” said Middlesboro Independent Schools Instructional Supervisor Anthony Maxwell, who nominated the group for the award.
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The Kentucky Medical Association is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization that supports physician members and their patients with a variety of services. The KMA, established in 1851, represents and supports nearly 7,000 physicians, physician residents, and medical students across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Learn more about the KMA and its programs at www.kyma.org.
