Dec
29
The below is from the Cleveland Daily Banner, December 30, 2023
Filtered by category: Member Spotlight Clear Filter
Dec
05
Rural Health of Association of Tennessee celebrated National Rural Health Day on November 16th in Knoxville, Tennessee at our 29th annual conference, "Shining a Light on Rural Health: Advocating for a Brighter 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.
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2023 Membership Voting
Category: Member Spotlight
Oct
28
The 2023 Membership Voting is open
Members may login to RHA's Website for details, including:
- 2024 Board Officers
- 2024 Board Members (Each candidate's application is available to view on the Member Landing page)
- Bylaw Changes (summary of proposed changes is on the Member Landing page)
- 2024 Proposed Advocacy Priorities
Voting will remain open through November 16th (Rural Health Day) and results will be shared at our Annual Member Meeting on Friday November 17th (end of Annual Conference).
The voting link will also be available in RHA's Conference App.
Sep
08
Action for Healthy Kids has allocated nearly $30 million in subgrants to 264 school districts across 44 states and the District of Columbia, as part of a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance student nutrition and meal quality in high-need schools. This program marks the largest targeted investment by the USDA for school meal programs in small and rural communities, promoting better nutrition for all students.
The funds, provided by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, will benefit small and rural school districts, empowering them to modernize their operations and provide healthier meals. Each eligible school district can receive up to $150,000, which can be used for activities like staff training, kitchen upgrades, redesigning food service spaces, and bringing in educated nutrition/dietician staff.
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Aug
08
This week we recognize our community health centers in honor of National Community Health Centers Week, August 6th-12th. Community Health Centers (CHCs) dismantle obstacles to healthcare by catering to every patient, regardless of their insurance situation or financial capacity. They furnish care that is culturally and linguistically suitable, and extend enabling services to tackle non-medical necessities.
CHCs represent consumer-oriented and patient-centric institutions that fulfill the role of a comprehensive and economically viable primary healthcare solution for the most marginalized communities. These centers enhance healthcare accessibility and deliver integrated services tailored to the distinct needs of the populations they support.
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Dec
08
The Certified Men's Health Educator training course is aimed at professionals who are
passionate about helping boys, men, and their families achieve true health and wellness.
passionate about helping boys, men, and their families achieve true health and wellness.The Certified Men’s Health Educator program is currently being offered free of charge to a limited number of healthcare professionals and non-healthcare professionals interested in improving the health of those living in their community, and who live or work in designated rural counties in Tennessee. Training for these professionals is provided by Men’s Health Network, in association with the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, and funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those who successfully complete the course will earn the “Certified Men’s Health Educator” designation.
The CMHE program is also available, on a fee basis, to interested individuals and organizations. For information on how to enroll, please email cmhe@ healthymen.org.
Find out more and register for the training here.
Enter RHA2022 for a 100% Discount Code
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Dec
07
Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) celebrated National Rural Health Day in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on November 17, 2022, to honor those who work every day to help keep Tennessee healthy.
The celebration was part of a three-day event bringing rural health providers, school health, and others together to deepen understanding of rural health issues and celebrate rural leaders leading the way for a healthy tomorrow throughout rural Tennessee. The below individuals were recognized for their outstanding service to rural health.
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Sep
19
Congratulations Ann Cranford the Director of the Recruitment and Retention Program in the State Office of Rural Health.
Ann has been a member of RHA for several years. Recently, at the 3RNet Annual Conference she received the Fred Moskol Award. This award recognizes a person who possesses outstanding leadership abilities, supports the mission of 3RNET, responds compassionately to the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations and does so with a collaborative and compassionate spirit.
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Allie Haynes Appointed to Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
Category: Member Spotlight
Aug
27
Allie Haynes will represent Rural Health Association of Tennessee on Tennessee Council on Developmental 
Disabilities. The Council, established by the federal Developmental Disabilities Act (Spanish language version of the Developmental Disabilities Act.) and by Tennessee Executive Order 50 exists to:
- Build bridges between the experiences of real people with disabilities and the policies and service systems that affect their lives.
- See the big picture across government programs to help connect dots and fill gaps to meet real needs..
- Use these connections to make change toward greater inclusion, independence, and self-determination for people with disabilities in Tennessee.
To learn more about the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, visit their website.
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May
09
GetCovered Tennessee, a healthcare access program of Family and Children’s Service, is a great resource
here in Tennessee! They are the state grantee for connecting uninsured Tennesseans with health insurance through TNCARE/CoverKids/Affordable Care Act. FCS is a non-profit offering free healthcare access service in all 95 Tennessee counties, and their services are free of charge. In addition to enrollment, they also provide educational training on TNCARE/Coverkids/Affordable Care Act or Health Assist Safety net programs, such as how to use your insurance coverage and what the insurance terms mean.
GetCoveredTenn is a non-profit program providing free health insurance enrollment and healthcare advice to all Tennesseans. GetCoveredTenn has a team of 20 experts to help Tennesseans find quality healthcare through affordable insurance, access to community-based healthcare services, or both. Their services are free and unbiased.
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Mar
02
Sabrina Blue is the Founder and CEO of Helping Hands of Middle and West Tennessee (HHT). The mission of HHT is to build stronger communities and help improve health outcomes for West Tennessee families. HHT provides dental, medical, and medical insurance assistance to families earning no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Blue is an Associate Pastor with the Historic First Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. Her mission is to look at the deficit of the resources in rural Tennessee and figure out how to deliver holistic healthcare to the residents of rural West Tennessee.
Listen on Rural Health Leadership Radio
A Step Ahead Chattanooga
Category: Member Spotlight
Feb
21
Rural Health Association of TN's members A Step Ahead Chattanooga has a commitment to removing barriers
to contraception through education, outreach, and access to free birth control.
A Step Ahead Chattanooga serves 18 counties across Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama (Bledsoe, Bradley, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, Meigs, McMinn, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie, Catoosa, Dade, Murray, Walker, Whitfield, DeKalb, and Jackson counties).
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Feb
17
Nurse staffing shortages is a hot topic, not just in rural America, but everywhere, making nurse education ever
more important. Educating nurses and preparing them to take care of the members of their community requires educational leadership. Hear how one nurse educator is making a difference in rural Tennessee as we talk about educational challenges and generational differences. We are having that discussion with Dr. Christie Manasco, Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Nursing.
Jan
12
Rural Medical Centers has clinics located in mountains where there is no internet or cell service, and in the middle of a tomato field. As you might imagine, they have a few challenges providing healthcare services. You can listen to a very interesting conversation with Jessica Zimmerman and Alexis Andino who are both with Rural Medical Services in East Tennessee.
Listen on Rural Health Leadership Radio
Nov
30
After working in various parts of the country, Erica Johnson-Locket fulfilled her promise to the elders of her community 
and returned home. That “homegrown kid” is now the Chief Nursing Officer of Bolivar General Hospital in Bolivar, TN.
and returned home. That “homegrown kid” is now the Chief Nursing Officer of Bolivar General Hospital in Bolivar, TN.
Listen on Rural Health Leadership Radio
Nov
23
On this week’s episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, we’re talking to a nurse trying to make a difference in the 
Appalachian region. Robyn Seamon has earned advanced degrees, studied, and conducted research to help prepare her to serve Appalachian residents.
Appalachian region. Robyn Seamon has earned advanced degrees, studied, and conducted research to help prepare her to serve Appalachian residents.Listen on Rural Health Leadership Radio
Oct
26
Tyler Melton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science at the 
University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), College of Pharmacy. He has nine years of pharmacy practice experience including inpatient and outpatient pharmacy in rural environments. Tyler joined UTHSC in September of 2020, after completing a postdoctoral research fellowship in Community Pharmacy Practice and Prescription Drug Abuse and earning his Master of Public Health from East Tennessee State University. His areas of research expertise include community pharmacy practice, rural health, health disparities, and prescription drug abuse.
Listen on Rural Health Leadership Radio
Oct
12
Lisa Beasley joined the UTHSC CON faculty in September 2020. Prior to joining UT, Lisa was previously at the 
University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing for 10 years, serving as a Clinical Associate Professor and the Director of Clinical Education for the last 6 years of her time there. Lisa’s practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner has been in hospice and palliative care for the last 9 years serving patients in rural and underserved communities. Prior to becoming a nurse, Lisa enjoyed an 18-year career in the radio industry.