Save the Date: 2025 Tennessee Grand Regions Tour

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee invites you to join us in 2025 Grand Regions Tour. These spring regional events will give members an opportunity to learn from prominent speakers in rural communities and esteemed universities as we explore critical topics in behavioral health. These events are perfect for healthcare providers, educators, advocates, and anyone passionate about rural health.

The Tennessee Center for Health Workforce Development is thrilled to announce their inaugural TCWD Middle TN Discovery Summit, hosted by Belmont University and sponsored by TN HOSA, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This event is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen healthcare pathways by offering professional insights and showcasing vital programs and resources for anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

TCWD invites high school and early college students across Middle Tennessee to join them for a unique event designed to ignite interest in the diverse and rewarding field of healthcare. This is an incredible opportunity for students to explore the many career paths available, hear directly from industry professionals, and gain insights into what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field.

Join us for a valuable Community Resource Event hosted by Purpose Point Community Health, Mount Canaan, and the Rural Health Association of Tennessee!

Come and learn about various community resources and get expert information/assistance with: TennCare Redetermination; Medicare Counseling; Marketplace Health Insurance Counseling; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); and more.

The Tennessee List of Reportable Diseases and Conditions, effective January 1, 2025, have been updated. The full details are available in the attached documents and also available at Tennessee Reportable Diseases.

Here are some highlights of the updates for 2025:

Advocate for Change: Join Rural Health Day on the Hill

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and join us for Rural Health Day on the Hill, hosted by the Rural Health Association (RHA). This exclusive, members-only event provides a unique opportunity to directly engage with Tennessee state representatives and senators to discuss vital topics such as healthcare legislation, funding, and policy. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., scheduled meetings will allow members to share their insights and concerns, amplifying the voices of rural communities across the state. By uniting with rural health stakeholders, participants can champion meaningful changes to ensure healthier futures for all Tennesseans.

At RHA, we recognize the power of collective advocacy. Our platform bridges the gap between our members and policymakers, making it easier than ever to communicate effectively with state and federal lawmakers. Tailored messaging tools allow you to maintain your unique voice while advocating for or against critical legislation that impacts rural health. Don’t miss this chance to influence decisions that shape the well-being of our communities. Together, we can build momentum for a healthier, more equitable tomorrow.

Celebrating 30 Years of Advancing Rural Health: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Conference Attendees

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) is proud to celebrate a monumental milestone—30 years of commitment to improving the health and well-being of rural Tennesseans. Our Annual Conference, held November 20-22, 2024, in Downtown Knoxville, brought together 400 attendees whose shared passion for rural health made this event truly unforgettable.

Time is running out!

Rural Health of Association of Tennessee celebrated National Rural Health Day on November 21st in Knoxville, Tennessee at our 30th annual conference, "30 Years Strong: Honoring our Past, Shaping our Future" The conference was a dynamic and engaging three days of learning from experts in rural health fields across the state, bringing together professionals within the healthcare field. It provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences, fostering growth and collaboration. Attendees were able to benefit from a diverse range of presentations and panel discussions delivered by leaders in Tennessee. Networking opportunities allowed attendees to establish valuable connections, share insights, and explore potential collaborations. 

The Rural Health Awards Luncheon is RHA's distinguished event designed to recognize and honor outstanding achievements, exemplary contributions, and noteworthy accomplishments across rural health in Tennessee. It brings together individuals, professionals, and organizations deserving of recognition for their exceptional work, innovation, and dedication. We are honored to host this event to showcase excellence and highlight the positive impact of individuals in the healthcare field. Congratulations to the awardees who are presented below.

Starting November 1, it’s time to secure your health insurance coverage for 2025! Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing your existing plan, Open Enrollment is your opportunity to review your options, explore financial assistance, and make sure your coverage begins smoothly on January 1, 2025.

Here at the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, we're dedicated to making this process as simple and stress-free as possible. As a nonprofit organization, we’re thrilled to offer you FREE assistance from our licensed health insurance agent, Andrew, who’s here to help you find the plan that best meets both your health and financial needs.

The 30th Annual Conference of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee is set to bring a dynamic range of educational opportunities to its members. This year, the Association introduces new tracks designed to address the evolving needs of rural healthcare. Attendees from rural hospitals, rural health clinics, school health programs, substance use disorder treatment, maternal health, and public health sectors will find dedicated sessions tailored to their fields. These sessions, taking place on the first morning of the conference from 8 AM to 11 AM, will provide an engaging platform for professionals to learn, collaborate, and advance strategies to improve healthcare in rural communities.

Suicide Prevention Month, observed every September, is a crucial time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health struggles and preventing suicide. This month brings attention to the profound impact that suicide has on individuals, families, and communities. By shedding light on mental health issues and promoting open discussions, Suicide Prevention Month seeks to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage those in need to seek help. Public health organizations, mental health professionals, and advocates come together to offer resources, support, and education during this time, emphasizing that mental health is just as important as physical health.

One of the key goals of Suicide Prevention Month is to educate people about the warning signs of suicide and the steps they can take to intervene if someone is at risk. Recognizing behaviors such as withdrawal from loved ones, changes in mood, or expressions of hopelessness can save lives. By equipping communities with the knowledge of how to approach and support someone in crisis, the movement empowers individuals to take an active role in suicide prevention. Resources like hotlines, counseling services, and peer support groups are highlighted as critical tools in providing immediate assistance.

A mock survey is a practice evaluation designed to simulate an official recertification or accreditation survey. It helps clinics assess their current compliance with federal and state regulations, before an actual regulatory review takes place.

Key Aspects of a Mock Survey:

(From left to right): Rural Health Association of Tennessee’s Allie Haynes and Jacy Warrell, award recipients Chrissy Hood, Alaina Hood, Representative Clay Doggett, and Rural Health Association of Tennessee’s Board of Director President Barry Cooper

Please join us for this highly requested topic around opportunities for Community Health Workers to become a reality in your practice and your community.

Topic: Opportunities to integrate Community Health Workers into your practice.

National Recovery Month, observed every September, is a time dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders, celebrating individuals in recovery, and recognizing the work of professionals in the field. The month serves as a beacon of hope for millions, demonstrating that recovery is possible for everyone. It highlights the importance of community involvement, resilience, and support systems in helping people achieve long-term recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. By fostering open conversations and reducing stigma, National Recovery Month helps create an environment where individuals feel encouraged to seek help without judgment.

Talking about National Recovery Month is especially important in rural areas, where access to healthcare services, including mental health and substance use treatment, can be limited. Rural communities often face unique barriers, such as fewer treatment centers, limited transportation options, and a shortage of healthcare professionals trained to handle complex recovery issues. Stigma surrounding addiction and mental health can also be more pronounced in rural areas, where close-knit communities sometimes struggle to maintain privacy and confidentiality. National Recovery Month provides an opportunity to break through these barriers, highlighting the critical need for better resources and support networks in underserved areas.

Join Rural Health Association of Tennessee in September for Recovery in Rural, a virtual learning series. Each week we'll host panelists and expert guests to discuss- What does recovery look like in rural Tennessee? What works to reduce stigma and build recovery-ready communities? What are promising practices and evidence-based solutions that help our people thrive? All sessions are virtual. Registration is required. Reach out to Jessica Rackley, RCORP Director, with questions.

Join us for an engaging conversation on how rural communities can lead the way in promoting recovery and resilience. Our panelists will share inspiring stories of progress, discuss barriers hindering recovery readiness, and outline essential steps to create inclusive environments where everyone can flourish in their recovery journey.

Join us for the August Rural Health Clinic (RHC) Lunch and Learn!

This month, we will focus on the impact of Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM) and Chronic Care Management (CCM) on RHC practices. We'll explore how these tools help keep practices better connected with patients and optimize overall patient well-being.

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."