House Joint Resolution 69, sponsored by Representative Martin B, addresses the urgent need for a comprehensive plan to improve public health in Tennessee, particularly in light of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. These conditions account for over 70% of healthcare costs and significantly impact the well-being of citizens, especially young people. The resolution emphasizes that many chronic diseases are preventable and reversible, urging a shift in healthcare policy to prioritize nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle medicine. It calls for the state to adopt specific principles aimed at enhancing public health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and equipping citizens with the necessary resources for healthier living.

The resolution outlines several key priorities, including reforming the food economy by promoting access to healthy foods and revising SNAP benefits, supporting lifestyle medicine through education and access to practitioners, encouraging good governance by addressing conflicts of interest in regulatory agencies, and leading by example in state institutions by ensuring high nutritional standards in food served at state facilities. Additionally, it calls for the establishment of an annual "Make Tennessee Healthy" summit to foster collaboration among state leaders and stakeholders in advancing these health initiatives. A certified copy of the resolution will be sent to the Governor, the Commissioner of Health, and Tennessee's congressional delegation to encourage their support for these health-focused policies.