RESOLUTION NO. RS2013-557

A resolution expressing support for the incorporation of health impacts into the decision-making of the Metropolitan Government.

WHEREAS, in her introduction to the National Prevention Strategy, Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin writes that “preventing disease before it starts is critical to helping people live longer, healthier lives and keeping health care costs down;’’ and

WHEREAS, Dr. Benjamin correctly notes that “many of the strongest predictors of health and well-being fall outside of the health care setting. Our housing, transportation, education, workplaces and environment are major elements that impact the physical and mental health of Americans;’’ and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County recognizes that a healthy community provides benefits beyond health care cost savings, and that decisions affecting the health of a community are made across government agencies and throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County strives to be a national leader in both acknowledging and enjoying the benefits of a healthy community; and

WHEREAS, The Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant has added momentum to the Metropolitan Government’s efforts to create healthier policies and environments across numerous aspects of life; and

WHEREAS, such efforts were designed to be sustainable and integrated into the community; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Karl Dean has made building a healthier Nashville and Davidson County a touchstone of his time in office and called upon all departments of the Metropolitan Government to consider the health consequences of all their actions; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor has further charged the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council with receiving the self-assessments of the departments and reporting annually to the Mayor on their progress; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council support and endorse this effort.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as supporting the consideration of health impacts in all aspects of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council further goes on record in support of Mayor Dean’s request that all departments of the Metropolitan Government report annually to the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council, and of that Council’s role in assessing the government’s progress in embedding healthful options into the life of Nashville.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Dean and all department heads in the Metropolitan Government.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Sheri Weiner

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Health, Hospitals and Social Services Committee
Introduced:	January 8, 2013
Adopted:	January 8, 2013
Approved:	January 9, 2013
By: