Written By JR Robinson

As CEO and Co-Founder of JustMyCities—and as someone who is proud to call Memphis home—I have witnessed firsthand the challenges our community faces in getting balanced and truthful news coverage. Here in Memphis and Shelby County, our predominantly Democratic voter base often means Republican perspectives are underrepresented or sidelined in mainstream media. This lack of representation affects our neighbors, our discussions, and our ability to see the full picture of what’s happening in our city.

Many outlets claim fairness and balance, but the reality is much of today’s news seems geared toward entertainment, ratings, and clicks—often ahead of truth and impactful storytelling. When our local media loses sight of objective reporting, it divides our neighborhoods and sometimes dehumanizes those who don’t look or think the way we do.

That’s why JustMyMemphis, as part of the JustMyCities network of Digital NewsSTANDS, is dedicated to celebrating the positive and amplifying the voices of everyone in our community. Our goal is to shine a light on leaders from all backgrounds, share achievements that unite us, and give our residents news they can trust. With this in mind, I set out to research Senator Brent Taylor to see the positive impacts he’s having in our county and community.

Collaboration with the University of Memphis School of Public Health

On July 8, 2025, Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor visited the University of Memphis School of Public Health, meeting with Dr. David J. Russomanno, Provost; Ken Moody (Executive Director, Governmental and Community Affairs), and Dr. Ashish Joshi (Dean and Distinguished University Professor). During the meeting, Senator Taylor discussed the barriers facing young people who want to pursue careers in public health and learned about the innovative ways the School of Public Health is overcoming these barriers.

Dean Joshi shared that the UofM SPH Model for public health clubs has been adopted in high schools throughout Memphis Shelby County, and even nationally and internationally. The goal of these clubs is to educate youth about personal health and highlight the many career paths available in the public health industry. Public health ambassadors emerging from these clubs encourage peers to play an active role in promoting public health in their communities.

Supporting Youth Engagement and Innovation

A highlight of the School of Public Health’s programs is its annual high school public health club hackathon, which recently drew more than 90 high school students from around the world. At the hackathon, students came together to share solutions to public health challenges in their communities, demonstrating the power of youth engagement and teamwork. Senator Taylor’s visit focused directly on supporting these efforts and discussing the importance of removing barriers so that more young people in our community have access to public health education and career opportunities.

Legislative Advocacy

Senator Taylor’s dedication to public health extends beyond education—he also leads on legislative efforts to improve health outcomes for our community. As sponsor of Tennessee Senate Bill 714 in 2025, he helped advance policy that streamlines and strengthens how the Departments of Education and Health report school health procedures and recommendations. The bill aims to ensure that students across Tennessee, including those in Memphis and Shelby County, receive timely improvements and support in school health standards. Such policy efforts demonstrate a hands-on approach to public health, backing up advocacy with action.

Building a Strong Public Health Safety Net

The need for a strong public health safety net is acute in Shelby County, which has one of the highest uninsured rates in Tennessee. According to recent public discussions, over 12% of our population—more than 100,000 people—was uninsured in 2022, compared to 8% nationally. Federal and state funding cuts in public health have added stress to our local safety net, and leaders like Senator Taylor have publicly voiced concern over how changes to programs like Medicaid could further affect access to care, especially for the most vulnerable in our community.

Looking Forward

Senator Brent Taylor’s continued support for public health education, youth engagement, and legislative reforms showcases the kind of leadership Memphis and Shelby County needs. His collaborative approach with education leaders, focus on overcoming barriers, and practical policy advocacy are making a real impact in our neighborhoods. For our community, his work means more opportunities for young people, better health education, and a stronger foundation to face future health challenges.

At JustMyMemphis and through the JustMyCities network, we’re committed to spotlighting leaders and initiatives that bring hope, progress, and empowerment to our neighbors. Senator Taylor’s contributions to public health are a vital part of that story.