For a Healthier Jefferson County, Jefferson Joins hosts “After-Hours Event”

Jefferson County Health Council and their Healthier Tennessee subcommittee, Jefferson Joins, will be hosting an After-Hours Event on March the 28th at the Shepard Inn in Dandridge, from 5pm to 8pm.

“This is going to be a very special event, and our special guest will be the Honorable Duane Slone,” says Health Council President, Rev. Debra Shultz. “Judge Slone has had a high profile in East Tennessee recently, earning several awards due to his work with the VLARC pilot program, as well as his work in Recovery Court, and passion to provide interventions for pregnant women with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
“Slone has also been instrumental in assisting in providing information to legislators to help sunset the Fetal Assault Bill, which was proving to increase the NAS problem, rather than decreasing statistics.”

Shultz says there will be several other organizations represented at the event. “We are so excited about the participation with the initiative.”
“In the area of Fitness, we have Dr. Laura Chambers, a local Physical therapist, and Director of Peak Wellness. Kevin Poe, Executive Director of GITMO Fitness and local Criminal Investigator for the Public Defender’s Office will also be in attendance.

“Additional organizations attending are – UT Extension’s Office: Sarah White Vaden, Susie Nix, Educator (Nutrition); Boys and Girls Club: Executive Director, Jessica Page (Fitness and Nutrition, anti-tobacco); Head Start: Patty Harris; Rescue 180: Debra and Keith Shultz (Anti-Tobacco); Jefferson County Health Department: Sherrie Montgomery; Coordinated School Health for Jefferson County Schools: Tabetha Colangione.

“Most of our ‘Champions’ are highly involved in implementing all three initiatives. We have a few goals to obtain. This project is about bringing Health to our County.

“We are inviting our community to come out and meet these key leaders, eat and fellowship!

“Rudy Raccoon, who is the mascot for ‘healthy habits’ in the elementary schools program provided by U. T. Extension, will also be there to greet the kids. So this is a family friendly event, come out and bring the whole family.”
Stacy Baugues, Regional Director from the Governor’s Healthier Tennessee, shares, “Jefferson County is doing a great job in obtaining their goal to obtain grant money’s to be used to better the community.

“We also are encouraging Churches and other Faith-based organizations to sign up for Healthier Tennessee,” Baugues stresses. “This is not political. This is purely about making communities a healthier place to live.

“Go to HealthierTN.com and sign up!! It is easy and it is free.”
To RSVP for the event call 865-640-4843 or email Rescue180@Yahoo.com.