United Way of Greater Chattanooga: 2009 Shining Star Award

2009 Shining Star Awards
United Way Earns Distinction for Health

Governor Phil Bredesen recognized ten programs and organizations from across the state for their efforts in the promotion of healthy lifestyles. These organizations have been honored by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health as the 2009 Shining Star Award recipients.

“I applaud the efforts of these organizations in improving the health and fitness of Tennessee citizens,” said Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. “The work of these groups and the individuals they inspire helps Tennessee become a healthier state and puts us on track to live longer lives.”

Shining Star Awards are given for work to promote healthy habits in the following areas: Where we Live (communities), Work (employers), and Learn (educational settings). The 2009 Shining Star Award recipients are as follows:

City of Johnson City
Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport
Hamblen County Health Council, Morristown
Lewis County Health Council, Hohenwald
Orange Grove Center, Chattanooga
Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet
United Way of Greater Chattanooga
The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
Vanderbilt University, Nashville
WDEF News 12, Chattanooga

In addition to honoring United Way, two United Way partner agencies (Orange Grove Center and the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga), a local TV station (WDEF News 12), and a local outdoor organization (Outdoor Chattanooga) also won Shining Star awards for 2009, making Chattanooga the most award winning city in the state this year.

“These Shining Star Award winners prove that just a bit of motivation is all it takes to help people become more active and improve their health and fitness,” said Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, Commissioner of Health. “Community efforts like these, in partnership with state initiatives including Project Diabetes and Get Fit Tennessee, are encouraging more Tennesseans to make the changes to lead more healthful lives.”

The Tennessee Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health was created to address the health and fitness needs of all Tennesseans through the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The council recognizes that to be successful in affecting a change in the lifestyle habits of Tennesseans, a cooperative effort will be required of government agencies, businesses, communities and individuals that share the goal of enhancing the quality of life in Tennessee through the promotion of healthy lifestyles. For more information visit the Tennessee Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health’s Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/governorscouncil/index.shtml.

Governor Bredesen has been instrumental in the creation and development of several initiatives aimed at improving Tennesseans’ health status. Project Diabetes is his innovative public health initiative launched in 2006 to address the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes in Tennessee. To learn more about Project Diabetes, call 615-253-8729 or e-mail Project.Diabetes@tn.gov.

Governor Bredesen also created Get Fit Tennessee, a statewide awareness program to educate Tennesseans about Type 2 diabetes and risk factors that lead to the disease, such as obesity. Visit the Get Fit Web site at www.getfittn.com for more information and free tools that can help you improve your health and fitness.

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