Panel tasked with improving health and well-being for Tennesseans
(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Ron Travis (R-Dayton) 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 new caucus will help my colleagues and I better understand some of the important health issues impacting our residents so that we can further our work addressing them,” said Chairman Travis. “I am honored to serve with this distinguished group of lawmakers, and I know our efforts together will improve our state’s recent health trends.”
For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, please visit http://healthierTN.com.
Ron Travis serves as the Chairman of the House Insurance & Banking Committee. He is also a member of the House Transportation, House Calendar & Rules, and Joint Fiscal Review Committee, as well as the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee. Travis lives in Dayton and represents House District 31, which includes Bledsoe, Sequatchie, Rhea, and part of Roane County. He can be reached by email at Rep.Ron.Travis@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-1450.
