Haslam launches initiative for better health in Tenn.

Gov. Bill Haslam, stopping in Memphis as part of a statewide tour, announced Tuesday the launch of “Healthier Tennessee,” an initiative urging residents of one of the most unhealthy states to eat more nutritious foods, get more exercise and stay away from tobacco.

Appearing alongside Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, Haslam said the push toward greater health and happiness in Tennessee would be a collaborative one, combining state resources with local infrastructure.

The program will seek to promote healthy lifestyles by coordinating with schools, health care providers, large employers and existing local organizations like Healthy Shelby.

“I love Tennessee,” Haslam said at a news conference at the Church Health Center. “But loving something doesn’t mean you can’t see its faults.”

The state is ranked 40 out of the 50 states in terms of health, Haslam said, citing high rates of behaviorrelated ailments like diabetes and hypertension.

One of every three dollars spent by the state goes toward health care — funds which Haslam said could be applied to other things.

The governor also announced a special nonprofit foundation would be created to lead the effort. The Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness will be lead by CEO Rick Johnson, who appeared with Haslam to talk about his plans.

“It’s not going to be easy; we know it’s not going to happen overnight,” he said. “This is our time to start now to make this a healthier Tennessee.”