Panel tasked with improving health and well-being for Tennesseans
(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) 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 is a tremendous opportunity for me to work together with my colleagues in order to find new solutions to the chronic health issues that impact some of the citizens who live in our community,” said Representative Zachary. “While we have made progress in certain areas, I believe this new caucus will allow us to build on some of the positive health trends we have seen in recent years, and I look forward to participating.”
For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, please visit http://healthierTN.com.
Jason Zachary serves as the Vice-Chair of the House & Insurance Banking Committee. He is also a member of the House Transportation Committee and the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee. Zachary lives in Knoxville and represents House District 14, which includes part of Knox County. He can be reached by email at Rep.Jason.Zachary@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2264.
