Tennesseans drop Tobacco to improve Health

Contact the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine for Free Assistance to Stop Tobacco Use

Nashville, TN – Tennesseans continue to choose the path to better health by stopping smoking. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a decline in smoking rates in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health offers free support to all Tennesseans who want to quit smoking through the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, 1.800.QUIT.NOW.

“We are encouraged by this data demonstrating that Tennesseans want to lead healthy lives free from tobacco,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Too many Tennesseans die each year from preventable illnesses linked to tobacco use. We urge those who smoke to make a plan to quit, and to contact the QuitLine for professional support.” [Read more]

Tennessee Joins Neighboring States to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse, Trafficking

Nashville, TN – In an effort to fight prescription drug abuse and misuse in Tennessee, representatives from the Governor’s Office, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and the Department of Mental Health on Wednesday attended the first meeting of the Interstate Prescription Drug Task Force in Ashland, KY.

Tennessee joins Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia in forming a multi-state alliance to fight prescription drug abuse on several fronts.

Law enforcement officials consider prescription drug abuse an increasing problem in Tennessee, which consistently ranks as one of the top states in the country for the use of prescribed medications. [Read more]

Kroger Recalls Pet Foods due to possible Health Risk

Cincinnati, OH – The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets.

Kroger stores in the following states are included in this recall: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. [Read more]

Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in East Tennessee

Plans underway to survey and restrict movement of ash material in Knox, Loudon counties

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture today announced the discovery of emerald ash borer (EAB), the first detection of the destructive tree pest in the state. The discovery was made last week at a truck stop in Knox County near the Loudon County line.

“We knew EAB could potentially reach Tennessee, and we’re prepared to help slow the spread of the infestation and protect our forest resources.” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “We will be working closely with federal officials and other stakeholders to determine the extent of the infestation and to take steps to limit its spread.”

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