To improve health outcomes and promote preventive care, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is introducing a statewide initiative called FarmBoxRX.

• Sherri Zink is senior vice president and chief data officer at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

Whenever I’m asked to share an example of health inequity that hits close to home, I think about how many Tennesseans struggle with food insecurity, particularly in urban areas.

There’s a misconception that food insecurity simply means people are at risk of starving. But it actually refers to the affordability and accessibility of nutritious food.

In other words, there may be a prevalence of processed and fast-food options within easy driving distance in many communities, but these areas lack grocery stores or markets that offer fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins. And some may be able to put food on the table but can’t afford the healthier choices.

Lack of access to nutritious food has long-term consequences

Food insecurity is a social driver of health, and several areas in Davidson County and Middle Tennessee are at increased risk. Within our health equity report, we define these drivers of health as obstacles that can lead to health disparities, or unfair and avoidable differences in health status.

A lack of nutritious food consumption can lead to long-term health issues and complications. We’ve seen these effects on our Medicare and Medicaid populations, particularly. Oftentimes senior members may lack transportation or family assistance to drive long distances for healthy food, much less the financial stability to afford it.

Many of our Medicaid members in the BlueCare Tennessee program are working multiple jobs to support their families and may rely solely on drive-thrus or canned goods from convenience stores to ensure everyone is fed.

This is a stressful reality for so many in our state. Each person’s life experiences and situations guide their health journey. And social drivers can affect anyone, not just those working to make ends meet. These factors can also correlate with racial and ethnic identities because of the historic inequities these groups have faced.

Our data has shown that maternal health, cancer screening, chronic condition management, child and adolescent well-care, and behavioral health are all negatively impacted by social drivers of health, particularly among minority populations. Debt burden, education level, language barriers, and community safety can all disproportionately impact these populations and their health care access.

Maternal and mental health care are among the disparities 2024 equity report identified

For example, someone living in an area without public transportation and who speaks English as a second language may struggle to find a doctor and schedule a preventive care visit. That’s why BlueCross is taking proactive steps to address these drivers before they develop into health conditions.

Community-based solutions can aid in tackling food insecurity

Our BlueCare team has worked to decrease food insecurity in rural areas across the state by supporting the creation and maintenance of community food gardens. These gardens support those living in food deserts. They’re a supplement for people who rely on social services, food pantries, and food banks to meet nutrition needs as well. BlueCare has also partnered with Nashville Community Fridge, providing fresh produce and pantry goods to families in need.

To improve health outcomes and promote preventive care, we’re introducing a statewide initiative called FarmBoxRX. BlueCare members will receive food boxes shipped directly to their doors after receiving well-childcare or diabetes care.

Of course, this is just one of many social drivers of health that we’ve identified, measured, studied, and begun to proactively address. For all social drivers and risk factors, we’re increasing our coordination with providers and making it easier for them to contact us so that we can get involved and steer our members toward available resources and help get them on track. That way we’re closing the loop between member, provider, community organization (where applicable) and health plan.

Our goal is to use this integrated approach to help people make progress toward their own goals for better health. But all of us have a role to play in addressing these social drivers. Ask yourself, what are some barriers to care that you see in your everyday life, or maybe in the life of a neighbor or family member, and why are they there? Sometimes simply putting yourself in someone else’s shoes can lead to understanding, inspiration and action.

Sherri Zink is senior vice president and chief data officer at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

The Tennessee Titans have revamped their offense for the upcoming season, and part of their upgrades have come in the form of some new players, some new to the team and others who have yet to play in the NFL.

One of those players is first-round rookie offensive tackle JC Latham, who the Titans took with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter listed his picks for the 2024 All-Rookie Team and tabbed Latham as the player at the tackle spot.

“Latham is another rookie tackle lining up at a new spot in the pros, moving to the left side with the Titans after stoutly holding down the right side at Alabama,” Reuter writes. “At 6-foot-6, 342 pounds, Latham will be a sturdy wall in pass protection for second-year quarterback Will Levis thanks to his wide base and 35 1/8-inch arms. Latham will also move defenders to create running lanes for new feature back Tony Pollard and backups Tyjae Spears and Hassan Haskins.”

Latham joined quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), running backs Trey Benson (Arizona Cardinals) and Ray Davis (Buffalo Bills), wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals) and Xavier Worthy (Kansas City Chiefs), tight end Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders), offensive linemen Joe Alt (Los Angeles Chargers), Jackson Powers-Johnson (Las Vegas Raiders), Tanor Bartolini (Indianapolis Colts) and Graham Barton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) on the list.

Latham was a right tackle at Alabama, but the Titans have plans for him to move to the left side to protect quarterback Will Levis’ blindside. He will have to adjust to the NFL level, but with offensive line coach Bill Callahan helping guide that transition, Latham is in extremely good and experienced hands.

Latham has been a coach in the NFL since the 1990’s and he was recently with the Cleveland Browns, who had one of the best units in the league last season. Now, Latham helps as an anchor for the Titans in the trenches as they look to improve from having one of the worst offensive lines in the league a year ago.

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