Rep. Brooks Receives TNAAP Legislator of the Year Award
NASHVILLE – At the recent 2017 Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, TNAAP Vice President Dr. Deanna Bell, Pediatric Hospitalist at Centennial Children’s Hospital and Clinical Faculty at Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital presented the Legislator of the Year award to State Representative Kevin Brooks (R-Cleveland.)
Brooks serves as coordinator of public relations and conference management for the Church of God International Offices.
TNAAP Vice President Dr. Deanna Bell with Rep. Kevin Brooks (click photo to enlarge)
Each year the TNAAP recognizes a Tennessee lawmaker that has demonstrated both in legislative action and individual advocacy a commitment that reflects our mission toward “leadership, advocacy and authority for the physical, mental and social welfare of Tennessee children and the pediatricians who care for them.” In introducing Rep. Brooks, Dr. Bell stated, “Representative Kevin Brooks has served Cleveland and Bradley County (District 24) since first being elected in 2006. Quickly recognized by his peers as a talented leader, Representative Brooks is the past Chair of the House Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee, the current Vice Chair of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee, and former Assistant Majority Leader. He has received recognitions from multiple children’s advocacy organizations, including the Rural Health Association Legislator of the Year, the 2015 Disability Hero by the Tennessee Disability Coalition, and the Legislative Champion Award from Autism Speaks.”
Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee’s President Mary Nell Bryan said of the honoree, “Representative Brooks is more than an excellent legislator. He is outstanding– a real statesman who seeks in-depth information and sound, practical solutions, not quick, easy sound bites. He has always been a tenacious champion for children and in true pioneer fashion, spearheaded the move that made Tennessee the first state in the nation with a statewide system of Coordinated School Health.
Representative Brooks has been an ardent advocate of other initiatives for children such as evidence-based home visitation programs; physical activity and physical education in schools; and healthier snacks, beverages, and a la carte items in school nutrition programs. He richly deserves this recognition from TNAAP, an organization whose members and staff work every day to improve the health and well-being of Tennessee’s children.”
Representative Brooks has worked toward passage of school bus safety camera legislation, and cosponsored a bill requiring schools to maintain an on-site opioid antagonist. The TNAAP Chapter recognizes Representative Brooks this year on passage of House Bill 388, which requires schools — both public and private–to provide parents and guardians with information about influenza and the effectiveness of vaccination the beginning of each school year.
Chris Ford, TNAAP Government Relations stated, “There are so many good words that could be used to describe Chairman Brooks, and maybe simply happy is the best. I look for the welcoming face and broad smile of the friend we call ‘Bishop’ to vigorously defend the health and welfare of Tennessee’s vulnerable children AND with equal fervor demand a respect and fairness that is too often bereft from the political process. Kevin Brooks lives his faith with humility and service….encouraging all of us to do better, and be better people while doing just that.”
Rep. Brooks greeted the TNAAP gathering and thanked them for their support. “It is truly humbling to be recognized and presented an award for simply serving in your calling,” stated Brooks. “I am grateful for the love and support of my family that allows me to serve,” Brooks continued. “As a husband and a father, it is my honor to serve as a voice for those with little or no voice, like the children of Tennessee. Thank you for this award and I pledge to continue working for the children and families of Tennessee.”
Rep. Kevin Brooks serves the 24th Legislative District in Cleveland, Tennessee and Bradley County. He and his wife, Kim, are actively involved in their local community, schools and church. Their son Zach is a Lee University employee and their daughter Elizabeth is enrolled at the Lee University School of Nursing.
(Source: State of Tennessee)
