Good health is the foundation of a strong family, a thriving workforce, and a prosperous state. We can talk about affordability and economic growth, but if Alabama continues to struggle with poor health outcomes, we are not reaching our full potential. Making Alabama more affordable also means making it healthier, because the cost of poor health is felt in every household.
For too long, Alabama has ranked near the bottom in key health indicators across every age group. Families see it in rising medical costs, chronic disease, and limited access to care.
The current approach is not delivering the results people deserve, and continuing down the same path will not fix it. It is time for a serious, results-driven shift in how we approach public health.
Dr. Tankersley brings a unique and needed perspective as both a physician and a Colonel in the Alabama Army National Guard. He has treated patients in everyday settings and in high-pressure environments, and he understands how policy decisions impact real people. Over the past several years, he has consistently called for a more transparent, accountable, and patient-centered approach to public health.
One lesson from recent years is clear. Good science only matters if leaders are willing to stand behind it. Too often, decisions have been shaped by bureaucracy and protecting the status quo rather than doing what is right for patients and families. Alabama needs leadership that will ask tough questions, demand accountability, and ensure that public health policy is grounded in facts and common sense.
At the national level, there is a growing movement to rethink how we approach health in this country. Leaders like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have brought renewed attention to transparency, accountability, and the need to address the root causes of chronic disease.
The broader Make America Healthy Again movement reflects a desire to return to a system that prioritizes prevention, personal responsibility, and informed decision-making.
Many of these ideas have broad support across the country. People believe in informed consent, the right to make their own medical decisions, and the importance of a strong, trusted relationship between patients and their doctors. There is also growing recognition that diet, food quality, and lifestyle play a major role in long-term health outcomes.
Improving Alabama’s health will require practical steps. Supporting local farmers, improving food transparency, encouraging healthier choices, and focusing on prevention can make a real difference. These are not abstract ideas. They are common-sense solutions that can help families live healthier lives and reduce long-term costs.
Just as important is rebuilding trust in public health institutions. That trust has been strained, and restoring it will require openness, honesty, and accountability. People deserve to know that decisions are being made in their best interest, not influenced by outside pressures.
As Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Tankersley will work to move Alabama in a new direction. He will support policies that make our state healthier, more affordable, and more accountable to the people it serves. That means focusing on outcomes, empowering individuals, and ensuring that government plays a constructive, responsible role.
A healthier Alabama is within reach. With the right leadership, we can improve outcomes, restore trust, and build a future where our state is not just getting by, but truly thriving.