Panel tasked with improving health and well-being for Tennesseans
(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Mark White (R-Memphis) 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 health and overall quality of life.
“While we have made considerable progress improving the health and well-being of the citizens of our community, it remains clear that we have more work ahead of us,” said Representative White. “I believe this caucus will provide a fresh perspective that will enable us to create innovative solutions to better current health trends in communities across our state.”
For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, please visit http://healthierTN.com.
Mark White serves as Chairman of the House Education Administration & Planning Subcommittee. He is also a member of the House Education Administration & Planning, House Consumer & Human Resources, House Rules, and Joint Fiscal Review Committees. White lives in Memphis and represents House District 83, which includes part of Shelby County. He can be reached by email at Rep.Mark.White@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-4415.
