Panel tasked with improving health and well-being for Tennesseans
(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) today announced that he will serve on a new Wellness Caucus created by members of the Tennessee General Assembly and in collaboration with the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness.
The caucus is chaired by State Representative Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) and Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson). It consists of 37 members — including 28 Republicans — from both the House and Senate who will study and propose new solutions to important health and wellness issues in communities across the state.
While Tennessee is considered a healthcare hub for our entire nation, we still remain one of the least healthy states in the country. Thirty-three percent of the state’s population is classified as obese, and type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are at near-epidemic levels in all regions of the state. In 2015 the impact of chronic diseases cost Tennesseans more than 5 billion dollars when factoring in direct medical care, lost productivity and premature death.
Caucus members will help shape future public policy so that Tennesseans impacted by some of these adverse health conditions are able to make lifestyle changes that will improve their health and overall quality of life.
“This opportunity will assist Tennessee General Assembly members in our efforts to better understand the factors that have led to some of the troubling wellness issues our residents have experienced in recent years,” said Representative Sexton. “Moving forward, I am hopeful we view physical and mental health as equals as we focus as a caucus on improving overall health trends, expanding preventative care options and seek better outcomes across our region and our state.”
For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, please visit http://healthierTN.com.
Cameron Sexton serves as Chairman of the House Health Committee. He is also a member of the House Calendar & Rules and House Local Government Committees, as well as the House Health Subcommittee. Sexton lives in Crossville and represents House District 25, which includes Cumberland, Van Buren and part of Putnam County. He can be reached by email at Rep.Cameron.Sexton@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2343.
