Three Focus Areas

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The Soul of Tennessee Foundation believes in the importance of highlighting health disparities and creating access point across communities in the State of Tennessee as it relates to health and wellness. At every carefully curated event, participants gain access to knowledge-sharing opportunities and exposure to alternative ways of promoting wellness. We believe it is important that every interaction we have in the community is one that engages members to prioritize their health. As The Soul of Tennessee Foundation continues to evolve, we hope to incorporate more events for the community in the future. Specifically, in the State of Tennessee, health disparity is a real issue. 

Here are some updated statistics related to health disparities in Tennessee:

1.  **Obesity**: Tennessee continues to face high obesity rates. According to recent data, approximately 34.4% of adults in Tennessee are obese. This places Tennessee among the states with the highest obesity rates in the nation.
2. **Diabetes**: Diabetes remains a significant health issue in Tennessee. Around 12.5% of adults in Tennessee have been diagnosed with diabetes, which is slightly higher than the national average.
3. **Heart Disease**: Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in Tennessee, as it is nationwide. It is closely linked with obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle factors.
4. **Smoking**: Approximately 20.1% of adults in Tennessee smoke, which is higher than the national average. Smoking rates can contribute to various health disparities, including higher rates of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
5. **Health Insurance Coverage**: Tennessee historically had lower rates of health insurance coverage compared to the national average. Efforts to expand coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have improved access to healthcare for many residents, but disparities in coverage still exist, especially in rural and underserved areas.
6. **Life Expectancy**: Life expectancy in Tennessee is slightly below the national average, with recent estimates indicating it is around 76.3 years.
7. **Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities**: There are significant disparities in health outcomes based on race and socioeconomic status in Tennessee. African Americans and low-income populations tend to experience higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, along with lower access to healthcare services and poorer health outcomes overall.

These statistics highlight ongoing health challenges and disparities within Tennessee, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions and policies to improve overall health outcomes and reduce disparities across different demographic groups. 

The Soul of Tennessee Foundation believes heavily in the connection between individuals, their communities, their overall health, inclusive of mental, physical, and emotional well-being. At every curated event hosted by The Soul of Tennessee Foundation, we aim to ensure that our participants have access to holistic and wellness vendors, aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle. The Soul of Tennessee Foundation feels compelled to curate events for vulnerable members of the community that otherwise might be unable to participate in wellness activities.

Statistics related to 2023 demonstrate a high need for Tennesseans to have access to education related to mental health, suicide prevention, and physical activity:

1. **Suicide Rates**: Tennessee reported a suicide rate of approximately 18.5 per 100,000 population in 2023, reflecting a concerning trend of rising suicide rates over recent years.
2. **Physical Activity Levels**: In Tennessee, approximately 31.4% of adults engage in no leisure-time physical activity, according to the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. This sedentary lifestyle contributes to overall health issues, including obesity.
3. **Obesity Rates**: Tennessee has one of the highest obesity rates in the United States. As of the latest reports, around 34.4% of adults in Tennessee are classified as obese. Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
4. **Childhood Obesity**: Childhood obesity is also a concern in Tennessee. About 20.5% of children aged 10-17 in Tennessee are obese, which can lead to significant health problems later in life if not addressed.
5. **Health Implications**: Obesity is linked to several chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Addressing obesity through increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles is crucial to improving overall health outcomes in Tennessee.
6. **Physical Activity Initiatives**: Various initiatives and programs are implemented across Tennessee to promote physical activity and combat obesity. These include community fitness programs, school-based initiatives, and public health campaigns encouraging active living.
7. **Impact of Built Environment**: Access to safe and walkable neighborhoods, parks, and recreational facilities can influence physical activity levels. Efforts to improve the built environment in Tennessee cities and towns aim to create environments that support active lifestyles.

These statistics highlight the importance of promoting physical activity and addressing obesity as public health priorities in Tennessee. Continued efforts in education, policy development, and community engagement are crucial to reducing obesity rates and improving overall health outcomes across the state.  

The Soul of Tennessee Foundation believes that communities are the cornerstones of what makes Tennessee a great state to live in. Communities are made up of groups of people. What better way to meet your neighbor than at a specially curated event hosted by The Soul of Tennessee Foundation. 

Because of our strong commitment to the community and the elders that make up the community, The Soul of Tennessee Foundation aims to ensure that every event also highlights the importance of the community taking care of its own. With this goal in mind, aiding seniors that live alone, are isolated, or in need of social interaction, is an area of continued focus for The Soul of Tennessee Foundation. 

As members of the community age, The Soul of Tennessee Foundation feels compelled to be a part of their village. One of the programs we are most excited about is the Gladys Cares Program - which pays homage to Gladys Marie Wilson, a lifelong resident of Jackson, Tennessee and an invaluable member of this community. It is Glady's legacy that we honor in our care for older adults or what we call - community elders.

For more information about the Gladys Cares Program, or to refer an older adult that could benefit from companionship, click the tab above "Gladys Cares Program."