Tennessee Charitable Care Network

The Tennessee Charitable Care Network is strengthening communities across the state through its support of Community Health Workers. These trusted professionals serve as a bridge between patients and the health care system, helping individuals navigate services, access resources and receive culturally responsive care.

Community Health Workers play a critical role in improving health outcomes, increasing access to care and addressing barriers that often prevent people from getting the help they need. Through funding, training and workforce development, TCCN ensures these frontline workers are equipped to make a lasting impact.

RHA is Coming to East TN!

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee will host its second of three regional events on March 26, 2026, in Sevierville, TN. We are grateful to Walters State Community College for hosting this meeting, which will bring together health care professionals, community leaders, public health advocates and rural health champions.

This East Tennessee regional event will focus on building the rural health care ecosystem, with an emphasis on workforce development, partnerships, and access to care across the region.

RHA is Coming to West TN!

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee will host the first of three regional events on March 17, 2026 in Humboldt, TN. We are grateful to Humboldt Medical Center for hosting this meeting which will bring together health care professionals, community leaders, public health advocates and rural health champions.

This event will focus on maternal health and food security. You can learn more about the sessions and speakers by reviewing the agenda below.

Physician Workforce Study Published by the Tennessee Hospital Association

The Tennessee Hospital Association’s Physician Workforce Landscape report offers a detailed look at the state’s physician supply, current and projected demand, and the capacity of medical education programs through 2035. It finds that Tennessee is facing a significant physician shortage, with the number of practicing doctors about 13 % below the national per-capita average.

The report also highlights a widening gap between the number of medical school graduates and available residency training slots in the state, a trend projected to grow over the next decade. To address these challenges, the study outlines potential strategies for strengthening the physician pipeline and supporting recruitment and retention efforts across specialties and geographic areas. The report is part of THA’s broader workforce research aimed at supporting hospitals’ workforce planning and advocacy as Tennessee’s population continues to grow and age.

Learn More

Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Annual Report

The Tennessee Department of Health’s State Office of Rural Health has released its FY25 Annual Report on the Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Program, providing a comprehensive look at the program’s reach, impact and outcomes across the state.

Covering the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, the report was submitted to the Tennessee General Assembly and highlights how state funding was distributed to support care for uninsured adults. It also outlines the scope of the provider network, demonstrating how clinics and partners across Tennessee are working together to ensure access to essential healthcare services for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

We are saddened to share the passing of Hal Leftwich, a long-time member of Rural Health Association of Tennessee and an active member of our Legislative Committee. 

Hal had more than 40 years of experience in healthcare leadership, serving the last seven years as CEO of Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida. He worked in hospitals large and small but had a special love for rural hospitals.

Announcing the Age-Friendly in Rural Tennessee Webinar Series

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) is excited to launch a 6-part webinar series focused on strengthening aging services across rural communities in Tennessee. Beginning Oct. 2, these webinars will be held on Thursdays weekly at 12:00 PM CST and are open to healthcare providers, community leaders, advocates and anyone interested in improving the lives of older adults.

Why This Series Matters

Start planning your conference experience.

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee invites you to join us in Sevierville, Tennessee, Nov. 19–21, for our 31st Annual Conference. We’re excited to share the draft agenda, giving you an early look at the sessions and opportunities planned for this year.

This conference serves a diverse array of rural health stakeholders, offering educational content and insights relevant to healthcare providers, advocates and professionals across the field. This year’s program features five specialized tracks designed to meet the unique needs of rural health professionals: