Pictured left to right: Amy Davenport, Debbie Redman, Kim Nesbitt, Elizabeth Pope, and Dr. Michael Daubner.
During National Public Health Week this April, the Tennessee Department of Health’s Southeast Region honored employees who have gone much further than their jobs require to improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans. A team from the Bradley County Health Department won the Outstanding Teamwork Award and one member of the team won an Above and Beyond Award.
The Outstanding Teamwork Award went to Primary Care Physician Michael Daubner, MD; Family Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Pope, APN; Nutritionist Amy Davenport; Kim Nesbitt, RN and Debbie Redman, RN. Mr. Daubner also won the Above and Beyond Award.
Officials said, "As a team of health professionals who work in primary care, these providers were very concerned that 32 percent of Bradley County adults are obese and 34 percent are physically inactive. Physical inactivity and obesity lead to many chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Rather than just telling their patients to eat healthier and be more active, this group worked as a team to help their patients achieve this goal.
"To motivate patients to be more active, the team obtained pedometers for patients and trial visits and potential scholarships to the YMCA. They also worked to get the entry fee waived so patients could participate in a walk at Lee University. However, the most important thing they did was to actually go with the patients and walk as a group at a local walking path. By personally helping patients experience how physical activity reduces stress and helps one feel better, this team served as role models for their patients.
"Along with helping patients become more physically active, the Healthy Lifestyle team counseled patients on good nutrition and notified them about any progress made in their lab results. The Southeast Region is proud to have a team of professionals willing to be role models and coaches as well as health professionals."