Panel tasked with improving health and well-being for Tennesseans
(NASHVILLE) — State Representative John Forgety (R-Athens) 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.
“As a former coach and physical education instructor, health and wellness have always been very important aspects of my life,” said Chairman Forgety. “I look forward to serving with this group of effective lawmakers in order to further improve the well-being and overall quality of life of our residents, as well as citizens across Tennessee.”
For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, please visit http://healthierTN.com.
John Forgety serves as Chairman of the House Education Instruction & Programs Committee. He is also a member of the House Calendar & Rules and House Civil Justice Committee, as well as the House Education Instruction & Programs Subcommittee. He lives in Athens and represents House District 23, which includes McMinn and part of Monroe County. Forgety can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-1735.
