What is NashvilleHealth?
Launched last fall by Senator Bill Frist, NashvilleHealth is a bold new initiative that creates a culture of health and well-being by serving as a convener to open dialogue, align resources and build smart strategic partnerships to forge a dynamic plan to measurably improve the health of all Nashvillians.
While Nashville has enjoyed remarkable recent economic momentum, positive publicity and status as a health care services capital, the health of our broader population is poor. And, if we do not address this in a cross-community manner, it threatens our city’s long-term economic and social vitality.
We will address big issues affecting our population’s health, from access to care, to environmental issues and social determinants, to safety and beyond. As we begin our work we are focusing on three specific areas: tobacco cessation and prevention, hypertension and child health. To truly create change, we need you to join us. 
Community
Leaders Gather for Health
Recently more than 40 community, business and government leaders gathered at the Chamber to learn about the current health status of Nashville and initiatives underway to improve health and well-being. A recent Chamber report was shared that underscores the need for a healthy workforce to remain competitive among peer cities. Metro Health Department Director Dr. Bill Paul briefed the group on the department’s key priorities. And, Sen. Bill Frist and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Health Policy Department Chair Dr. Melinda Buntin discussed cooperative work to launch NashvilleHealth. The department is playing a key role in supporting initial priority-setting, program design and evaluation for NashvilleHealth.
HHS Assistant Secretary Partners with NashvilleHealth
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Acting Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Karen DeSalvo has launched a new vision for community health, Public Health 3.0. Public Health 3.0 challenges business and community leaders, state lawmakers, and federal policymakers to incorporate health into all areas of governance. It calls for the private sector to engage in community health, and for public health professionals to take on larger, more engaged roles as civic leaders.
NashvilleHealth was proud to bring together business leaders to meet with Dr. DeSalvo in New York in late 2015 to discuss the private sector’s role in health. We look forward to continuing the discussion as we join with the Metro Health Department to host a similar visit with Dr. DeSalvo in Nashville this spring.
Did you know …
More than 20 percent of Nashvillians use tobacco products on a regular basis, risking their health and the health of those around them. NashvilleHealth is convening a working group to address this issue. Please email here with ideas or to get involved. Learn about new tobacco cessation efforts, like Breathe Easy Nashville. Also, watch for details on the statewide campaign, It’s Quittin’ Time in Tennessee.
Walkers gather at Bicentennial Mall for the recent Great
American Smokeout.
