National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, observed in August, is dedicated to promoting the benefits and importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. This initiative aims to increase public awareness, support, and education regarding breastfeeding, encouraging more mothers to choose this natural and beneficial practice. Breastfeeding has been scientifically proven to provide essential nutrients, antibodies, and bonding experiences that are crucial for a baby's development. It also offers significant health benefits for mothers, including reduced risks of certain cancers and postpartum depression. By celebrating and promoting breastfeeding, this month helps to ensure that families have the information and resources they need to make informed choices about infant feeding.

In rural areas, National Breastfeeding Awareness Month holds particular significance. These regions often face unique challenges, such as limited access to healthcare facilities and lactation consultants, which can make it harder for new mothers to receive the support and education they need to successfully breastfeed. Additionally, cultural norms and misconceptions about breastfeeding may be more prevalent in rural communities, creating further barriers. By focusing outreach and education efforts in these areas, the initiative can help bridge the gap, providing mothers with the encouragement and practical support necessary to initiate and continue breastfeeding.

RHA joins the family, colleagues, and patients of Dee Blakeny in celebration of life. Dee Blakney, Nurse Practitioner, and recipient of the 2021 Rural Practitioner of the Year Award passed away last week after a battle with cancer. 

As quoted in her obituary, "Dee found her passion in nursing and loved caring for people. Her greatest love was working in rural healthcare and that led to opening up clinics in Michie, TN and Whiteville, TN. She loved taking care of patients, especially in Rural West TN. She often went over and beyond for patients to help them have access to care even if that meant coming to them. She had a passion for teaching Nurse Practitioner students' lessons about taking the hard cases, doing a lot with a little, and anything and everything about caring for a vulnerable population." 

Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, observed every August, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role eye health plays in children's overall well-being and development. This initiative aims to educate parents, caregivers, and educators about the importance of regular eye exams and protective measures to ensure children have healthy vision. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can prevent long-term vision problems and support academic and social success. By emphasizing eye health, this month-long campaign helps to establish lifelong habits that contribute to good vision and eye safety.

One of the key aspects of Children's Eye Health and Safety Month is the promotion of routine eye examinations. Regular check-ups can identify common issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which can significantly affect a child's learning and development if left untreated. Eye exams can also detect more severe conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), which can lead to permanent vision impairment if not addressed early. By ensuring children receive timely and comprehensive eye care, parents and healthcare providers can help children achieve their full potential both in and out of the classroom.

TN AHEC is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2026 cohort at all regional locations for the Tennessee Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program: Central (Nashville); Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC); East and Southeast (Knoxville/Chattanooga); Cherokee Health Systems and West (Memphis); Christ Community Health Services.

 The Tennessee Area Health Education Center (TN AHEC) Scholars Program is part of a national initiative to prepare tomorrow’s health professionals to become leaders in inter-professional, transformative practice settings, and to serve in areas and populations with the greatest needs.

The Tennessee Together Student Survey captures data on youth behaviors, attitudes, and social norms related to substance misuse, emotional wellness, and other risk behaviors among Tennessee 8^th, 10^th, and 12^th grade public school students. The third biennial administration of the student survey was conducted during the 2022-2023 school year. The final survey sample included more than 23,000 respondents across five Behavioral Health Planning Regions, 35 counties, and 186 schools statewide. The Tennessee Together Student Survey represents the largest survey of youth behavioral health ever undertaken in the state. It fills a critical information gap by providing locally representative data that have been previously unavailable for most Tennessee counties or regions. TN Together Student Survey

Have you submitted your nominations for the 2024 Annual Rural Health Awards? Each year the Rural Health Association of Tennessee recognizes individuals and groups of individuals from across the state of Tennessee who have dedicated themselves to the service of others within the field of rural healthcare. 

2024 Nominations are now open! Deadline to submit nominations is August 1, 2024.

In July of 2021, Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) received a “Notice of Award” from Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) about a funding opportunity to build strategies and best practices to reduce COVID-19 risk across the state of Tennessee in underserved and rural communities. The contract (GR-21-73441) totaling $2,468,000 was made possible by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Under this grant which concluded May 31st, 2024, RHA provided services to individuals from all 95 counties in Tennessee, sponsored education for thousands of learners, and established better supports for our School Health, Rural Hospital, Rural Health Clinic, FQHC, and Mental and Behavioral Health Members.

Click to view the Final Report

Juvenile Arthritis (JA) refers to a range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that can affect children under the age of 16. These diseases cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and can impact a child’s growth and overall development. Unlike adult arthritis, which is often associated with wear and tear of the joints, JA is primarily an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. There are several types of juvenile arthritis, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile lupus, and juvenile scleroderma, among others.

July is designated as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public awareness about these conditions and the challenges faced by children and families affected by JA. The primary goal of this month is to educate the public about the early signs and symptoms of juvenile arthritis, as early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing the disease and preventing long-term damage. Public health campaigns and community events during this month aim to disseminate information, provide support, and promote understanding of JA.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the U.S. Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Among other things, FFCRA required state Medicaid programs keep beneficiaries enrolled through the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) in exchange for enhanced federal funding.

In preparation of the PHE ending, RHA signed a contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Finance and Administration, Division of TennCare (TennCare) for “Advocacy and Outreach Services During the COVID-19 Unwinding Period.” This contract allowed RHA to expand upon and later sustain the work that began as part of the TDH contract.

In 2021, Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) received a contact from Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), Office of Minority Health, via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA).

The service goal of this contract was to improve the health of people in rural Tennessee by providing activities for COVID-19 advocacy, communication, and health education. As part of the strategy to provide accurate education regarding COVID-19, vaccinations, and overall population health improvement, RHA contracted with the Men’s Health Network of Tennessee (MHN) to develop and disseminate a Certified Men’s Health Educator training.

The Tennessee Area Health Education Center (TN AHEC) Scholars Program is part of a national initiative to prepare tomorrow’s health professionals to become leaders in inter-professional, transformative practice settings, and to serve in areas and populations with the greatest needs.

TN AHEC is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2026 cohort at all regional locations for the Tennessee Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program: Central (Nashville); Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC); East and Southeast (Knoxville/Chattanooga); Cherokee Health Systems and West (Memphis); Christ Community Health Services.

The TN AHEC Program promotes a coordinated approach to education and training for graduate level health professions students with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally competent, quality health care services, especially in rural and medically underserved areas. 

Men's Health Month, observed every June, plays a crucial role in raising awareness about health issues affecting men and boys. This dedicated month serves as a pivotal time to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases more prevalent among men, such as heart disease, cancer, and mental health disorders. The aim is to foster health consciousness and encourage men to adopt healthier lifestyles. By focusing on preventive care and regular check-ups, Men’s Health Month seeks to reduce the gap in health outcomes between genders, given that men, statistically, are less likely to seek medical attention and more likely to suffer from serious health conditions at younger ages.

One of the central themes of Men's Health Month is promoting regular medical check-ups. Men are often conditioned to avoid doctors and disregard symptoms until they become severe. This cultural stigma can lead to late diagnoses of conditions that could have been managed more effectively with early intervention. For instance, prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men, has a significantly better prognosis if detected early. Regular screenings and health assessments can lead to early detection of many issues, thereby improving the chances of successful treatment and reducing healthcare costs in the long run.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month, observed each May, is a crucial campaign aimed at educating the public about the dangers of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. This month-long initiative is spearheaded by organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and prevention, providing valuable information on how to recognize the signs of skin cancer and the steps one can take to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The campaign highlights that skin cancer, though highly prevalent, is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.

Understanding the types of skin cancer is a key component of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The three primary types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common and less aggressive, but melanoma, though less common, is far more dangerous and can be deadly if not caught early. Public education during this month focuses on recognizing the symptoms of these cancers, such as new growths, changes in existing moles, or any skin changes that persist and do not heal. Early detection through regular skin examinations can significantly improve the prognosis for individuals with skin cancer.

National Women's Health Week, observed annually in May, serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of women's well-being. It's a dedicated time for women of all ages to prioritize their health by scheduling check-ups, screenings, and engaging in healthy habits. This initiative aims to empower women to take control of their health, encouraging them to make informed decisions about their bodies and lifestyles.

The importance of National Women's Health Week lies in its emphasis on prevention and early detection of health issues specific to women. From reproductive health to heart disease and mental health, women face unique challenges that require tailored care. By promoting regular health screenings and encouraging healthy behaviors, this week-long event plays a pivotal role in reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases and improving overall health outcomes for women.

Partners in Policymaking is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 class!

Partners in Policymaking® is a FREE leadership and advocacy training program from the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities.  

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed throughout May, serves as a crucial platform to educate, raise awareness, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. It offers an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together to promote understanding and support for those struggling with mental health challenges.

One of the primary goals of Mental Health Awareness Month is to destigmatize mental health conditions and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. By shedding light on the prevalence of mental illness and emphasizing that it is a natural part of the human experience, the month seeks to empower individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination. Through advocacy efforts and sharing personal stories, people are encouraged to recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health care and seeking support when needed.

Join RHA Regional Liaisons for our May findhelp 101 and 102 trainings. The two part training will teach nonprofits, government, healthcare, and education sectors how findhelp is working to connect people seeking help with services across Tennessee.

• How to search for and connect people to resources
• How to send and track your referrals
• How to claim your program and join the findhelp network
• How to become findhelp.org certified

Tuesday, April 23rd, we had the opportunity to host our last regional event of the season at Fall Creek Falls State Park and see our middle region members. Members had the opportunity to hear from professionals on topics including MAT in Emergency Department Settings, current drug trends, social drivers of health, and more!

The presentation topics and speakers can be found below:

• Addressing Social Drivers of Health findhelp This presentation discusses why addressing social drivers of health and why understanding social determinants are essential for creating equitable health systems and fostering healthier communities overall. Access full presentation here.
• Naloxone Training Suzanne Angel, ROPS Join us to learn from the Middle Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist about administering naloxone and further prevention efforts. Access full presentation here.
• MAT in Emergency Department Settings Kayla Mehr, TDMHSAS Join us as we talk with Kayla Mehr about MAT in the Emergency Department Settings. Access to full presentation can be found here.
  
• Suicide Prevention Melissa Alardo, TDH Join us as we talk about suicide prevention and its correlation to SUD. Access full presentation here. 
• TDH & RHA Programs and Updates Join us as we go over current program updates with not only the Rural Health Association but the Tennessee Department of Health. Access full presentation here.

Prescription Drug Takeback Day plays a crucial role in addressing the public health crisis of prescription drug abuse and misuse. Unused or expired prescription medications pose significant risks when left in homes, as they can be accessed by unauthorized individuals, including children, teenagers, and individuals with substance use disorders. Prescription Drug Takeback Day provides a safe and convenient way for individuals to dispose of these medications properly, reducing the likelihood of diversion, accidental ingestion, and environmental contamination.

Furthermore, Prescription Drug Takeback Day helps prevent prescription drug abuse by removing unused medications from circulation. Research has shown that a significant portion of prescription drug abuse begins with medications obtained from family members or friends, often without their knowledge. By encouraging individuals to safely dispose of unused medications, Takeback Day reduces the availability of prescription drugs for misuse and helps prevent the initiation of substance use disorders, particularly among young people who may experiment with prescription medications.

Governor Lee’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 – 2025 budget included proposed funding for most of the Rural Health Task Force's recommendations. 

We are happy to share that the appropriations bill passed by Tennessee's 113th General Assembly. The table below outlines the approved rural health care initiatives, funding for FY 2024 – 2025.