Harrell to lead state taskforce dedicated to reducing obesity
Kim Harrell, director of Children’s Health Advocacy for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, has taken on a new role as co-chair of the Tennessee Obesity Taskforce.
Kim Harrell
The Taskforce, formed in 2007, is a multi-disciplinary, statewide coalition aimed at reducing obesity and chronic disease through policy change and evidence-based nutrition and physical activity programs. More than 600 individuals and organizations throughout Tennessee, including Vanderbilt, are involved in the efforts.
Harrell took over in January as a 2012 co-chair, along with Ted Cornelius, executive director of the YMCA Tennessee State Alliance/Pioneering Healthier Communities.
She also serves as co-chair of Alignment Nashville’s Healthy Eating and Acting Living Committee. Harrell is a member of Alignment Nashville’s Operating Board and Children’s Health Oversight Committee.
Additionally, she serves on the advisory board of Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee and the board of directors for Friend’s Life Inc.
In her role at Children’s Hospital, she manages the Vanderbilt Children’s Health Improvement and Prevention (VCHIP) program, which promotes the health and well-being of children through community-based education, research, health promotion and advocacy.