Panel tasked with improving health and well-being for Tennesseans
(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville) 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 Nashville is considered a healthcare hub for our entire nation, Tennessee still remains one of the least healthy states in the country. Approximately one in four adults smoke, and one in five high school students uses tobacco. Additionally, 33 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.
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 overall health outcomes.
“This opportunity will enable us to gain valuable insight that will help us find new solutions to some of the health problems that are currently hindering our residents,” said Representative Hicks. “I look forward to serving with my colleagues so that we can make Tennessee a model of health and well-being that our entire nation can follow.”
For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, please visit http://healthierTN.com.
Gary Hicks serves on the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee and Subcommittee, the House Health Committee, as well as the House Finance, Ways and Means Study Subcommittee. He lives in Rogersville and represents House District 9, which encompasses Hawkins and Hancock Counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.Gary.Hicks@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7480.
