MAYOR NAMES MEMBERS OF HEALTHY NASHVILLE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Board represents cross section of healthcare industry and expertise in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 1, 2008) -Mayor Karl Dean today named 14 new and reappointed members of the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council.
The council, created by executive order, serves to assess the health of Nashville citizens and their access to health services, as well as mobilize community efforts to help alleviate disparities in chronic disease.
“Nashville is known as a center for the healthcare industry. With so much expertise in the area of health, we should also be known as a city for healthy living. The leadership council members share this goal with me and I look forward to seeing their work further local efforts to make Nashville a healthy city,” Dean said.
The newly appointed council will hold its first meeting today, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Lentz Public Health Center, 311 23rd Ave. N. Bill Paul, M.D., Director of Health for the Metro Public Health Department, will serve as chair of the council.
“I look forward to working with members of the leadership council as we set priorities and work to mobilize and support community efforts to improve health,” Paul said. “Much of the chronic disease burden is caused by unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use. We will look for creative solutions to reduce the impact of these factors and have a meaningful affect on the health status of our community.”
Healthy Nashville Leadership Council members:
- Dr. William Paul, director of the Metro Public Health Department
- Roy Wilson, director of Metro Parks and Recreation
- Rita Roberts-Turner, chief of staff for the Mayor’s Office
- Jerry Maynard, at-large Metro Council member
- Joanne Pulles, executive director of the HCA Foundation
- Dr. Tom Cook, professor at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing
- Janie Parmley, nurse and director of home care for Vanderbilt Hospital
- Janet Younts, physical therapist and personal trainer
- Dr. Miguel Ruiz-Aviles, professor at Austin Peay State University and academic director for the Hispanic Cultural Center
- John Morse, head coach of the Nashville Aquatic Club
- Dr. Robert Wingfield, professor at Fisk University
- Dr. John Harkey, health researcher
- Cassi Johnson, CEO of Food Security Partners of Middle Tennessee
- Dr. Alfred Shaw, general surgeon with Due West Family Health Care
For media inquiries contact:
Bonna Johnson
615-862-6461
bonna.johnson@nashville.gov