The LCDHD was formed in 1972 and became the first district health department in the state. It was comprised of Pulaski, McCreary, Wayne, Clinton and Cumberland Counties. In 1982 the counties of Adair, Casey, Green, Russell and Taylor joined the district to comprise a 10 county district. The area covered by the LCDHD is around 3,613 square miles with a population of approximately 200,000. Somerset is the largest city in the 10 county area with a population of approximately 11,400 (2000 Census).


The LCDHD is governed by a 29-member board of directors with representation from each county’s local board of health. The board is comprised of county judge executives, physicians, nurses, dentists, veterinarians, engineers, optometrists and citizen members. The board employs an executive director and medical director to manage the day-to-day operations of the department. Approximately 300+ staff members are employed in the 10 county health centers, 50+ school sites and administrative offices located in Somerset.