According to the latest Tennessee’s health statistics, 35 percent of residents are overweight and 25 percent of seniors die from heart disease. Now a new magazine published by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee goes behind that data to share the stories of people fighting these and other health challenges across the state.
Better Tennessee explores the health issues facing Tennesseans and highlights the people and organizations BlueCross supports who are making a difference. Online and in print, it tells human stories of changed lives and communities.
“There are hundreds of Tennessee organizations working to improve health and lives in cities, towns and rural communities across the state,” said Calvin Anderson, BlueCross’ senior vice president of corporate affairs. “Better Tennessee shares the stories of people who are helping others in their communities and of the people who are uplifted by those efforts.”
Better Tennessee consists of a magazine printed in spring and fall, as well as a website, bettertennessee.com, which will have the articles from the print version, but also original content, including videos, updated throughout the year.
Officials said, "BlueCross last year invested $14.5 million in more than 230 organizations involved in activities ranging from direct provision of social services, to research into treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome. Better Tennessee shares the stories of the thousands of people who work through the organizations and the many thousands more they help.
"Among the stories in the inaugural edition, which are being mailed this week, are about those people fighting the scourge of drug-addicted babies in East Tennessee. There is also the uplifting story of a couple who adopted two sisters born suffering from NAS.
"Other stories include the impact the state’s clinics for the uninsured have on the lives of those who depend on them. And, there is a feature on GoNoodle, a creation of Nashville-based Health Teacher, Inc., which is bringing its innovative active learning tool into classrooms statewide, thanks to a $3 million investment from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation."
“BlueCross supports these organizations because of the tremendous positive impact they are having on the lives of our fellow Tennesseans,” said Dawn Weber, director of community relations and foundations. “We have a longstanding commitment to and practice of giving back to the communities we serve. Better Tennessee is a great outlet to let people know about the good works of the organizations we’re supporting.”