Emily Barnes

I have worked with the Barren River District Health Department in different roles since starting there as a Community Health Worker in the Home Health division in 1988.  During my time in home health, I began as a CHW and moved to the position of traveling and audit clerk and then to the billing department.  During that time, I also implemented a new purchasing system using coded stickers for better tracking.  I followed the home health division when it was sold in 1995 and therefore left the health department, but never forgot my beginnings.  When the opportunity arose, I came back to work in the billing department.  During the height of the pandemic, I was moved into the position of Branch Manager of Support Services to oversee the billing and clerical staff for the district.  My plan is to retire with the health department, after 27 years of service in public health.  Outside of work, my wife and I are foster parents for Kentucky DCBS.  During the past 11 years in this role, we have been hosts to over 120 children.