TN.gov Newsroom

National Kick Butts Day is March 24 

NASHVILLE – Thousands of youngsters throughout Tennessee will join peers across the country to celebrate Kick Butts Day on March 24, 2010. This nationwide day of youth activism against tobacco is designed to raise awareness of the risks and concerns associated with children and tobacco use.

Dr. Teresa Campbell to Assume Duties Immediately

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has named Teresa Campbell, MD, as acting state medical examiner. Campbell will assume the duties of the office immediately.

“Dr. Campbell brings stellar experience and knowledge to the position, and I have great confidence in her abilities to take on the responsibilities of the office during this interim period,” said Commissioner Cooper. “We will lend our full support to Dr. Campbell as she assumes this role to ensure the transition process is as seamless as possible.”

"At approximately at 10:30 a.m. today, I was notified by officials in Mississippi of the arrest of Dr. Bruce Levy on felony drug charges. Dr. Levy is not an employee of the state. He serves as state medical examiner under a contract with the state Department of Health.

“The Department of Health is taking immediate action to terminate its contract with Dr. Levy for these services. In the interim, as Health Commissioner, I will name an acting state medical examiner to carry out the duties of the position.

"It is of great importance to me that the continuity of services provided by the state medical examiners be maintained. With that in mind, I will move as quickly as possible to ensure this is the case.”

Parents Reminded to Set the Standard During National Nutrition Month®

NASHVILLE – Children learn their habits, attitudes and beliefs from their parents and other caregivers, including their willingness to try new, healthy foods. During National Nutrition Month® this March, the Tennessee WIC Program encourages adults to be good role models to teach children how to appreciate nutrition and enjoy healthful eating.

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is March 10

NASHVILLE – Today about one in four Americans living with HIV is a woman, and a new woman in the United States is diagnosed with HIV every 35 minutes. These sobering facts are the foundation of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The Tennessee Department of Health is participating in this annual health observance March 10 by reminding women and girls about preventing HIV and the importance of getting tested.

H1N1 Flu Vaccinations On-going

NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee Department of Health's Flu Information Line has concluded operations. Members of the public who have flu-related questions are now encouraged to contact their county health department or health care provider. A complete listing of the county health departments is available on the department Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/localdepartments.htm.