Accepting Nominations 

Modeled after the National Rural Health Association’s policy congress, the Tennessee Rural Health Policy Congress will be the policymaking body that determines the Rural Health Association of Tennessee’s (RHA) positions regarding public policy. 

The responsibilities of the members are to:

• Identify topics and provide technical expertise on the development of Association policies.
• Create, review, and approve Association policy recommendations and positions.
• Ensure the Association’s guiding principles and mission are promoted through all policies.
• Develop policy papers to communicate the Associations priorities and recommendations.

Membership

To be eligible to serve on the Policy congress, individuals must be an active member of the association and in the greater rural health community. Members should review the orientation document (below), review the attendance requirement for 2026, and complete the nomination form by Monday, January 5th.

Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) is working hard to ensure that the federal Rural Health Transformation Program dollars made available by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted into law on July 4, 2025, are directed to rural hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) as intended. 

These funds are an attempt to offset losses that rural health providers will experience associated with other health provisions in the legislation, particularly the Medicaid program. Rural Health Association of Tennessee is advocating that 90% of funds go directly to the Rural Facility types named in the CMS Request for Proposals (100% minus 10% administration).

For additional information about this program, we recommend:

• National Rural Health Association - Rural Health Transformation Program
  
• Tennessee Department of Health - Rural Health Access Page

RHA's Rural Health Transformation Recommendations

Help improve disaster planning.

Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center are conducting a study to understand how advance practice nurses, community pharmacists, and primary care physicians response to disasters. The online survey will take about 5 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential and will help to understand perceptions about disasters. To participate, you should be at least 18 years old and an advance practice nurse, community pharmacist, or primary care physician who practices in EastTennessee.

https://uthsc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3F8wwi9iQuHoAE6

Updated October 16, 2024

(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

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.

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.

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. 

RHA members and staff traveled to Nashville for the Rural Health Association's Day on the Hill March 5th, 2024. While there, RHA met with several members of Tennessee's legislative branch to talk Rural Health Workforce, Rural Health Clinic Modernization, and Expanding the Health Safety Net Eligibility and Reimbursement Rates. 

A special thanks to the following offices for meeting with us:   

Community Training, Education, and Access for Medical Students (Community TEAMS) Act - H.R. 7258

Research shows that medical students receiving education and training in rural and underserved communities are more likely to stay and practice in those areas. The Community TEAMS Act will increase medical school clinical rotations in rural and underserved areas, strengthening the physician workforce pipeline and leading to greater healthcare access in these communities.

February is recognized as American Heart Month, a dedicated period to raise awareness about heart health and encourage individuals to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles. Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death globally, and American Heart Month serves as an important opportunity to educate the public about the risk factors associated with heart disease and the preventive measures that can be taken. During this month, various organizations, healthcare professionals, and communities come together to promote heart health through events, campaigns, and educational initiatives.

One notable event within American Heart Month is "Wear Red Day," celebrated on the first Friday of February. This day is specifically aimed at raising awareness about heart disease in women. Heart disease is often mistakenly considered a predominantly male issue, but it affects women at alarming rates. Wear Red Day encourages people to wear red clothing to show their support for heart health and to spark conversations about the importance of preventing heart disease in both men and women. The American Heart Association (AHA) is a key supporter of Wear Red Day, providing resources and information to help individuals understand the risks and take steps towards a heart-healthy lifestyle.

National Cancer Prevention Month, observed every February, is a crucial awareness initiative that underscores the significance of proactive measures in reducing the risk of cancer. This month serves as a platform to educate individuals about lifestyle choices, early detection, and regular screenings that can contribute to preventing various types of cancer. By promoting healthy behaviors such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing cancer.

Maintaining one's health is paramount in the fight against cancer. Adopting a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential vitamins and antioxidants that bolster the body's immune system and help combat the development of cancerous cells. Regular physical activity not only aids in weight management but also contributes to overall well-being, reducing the risk of certain cancers. Additionally, steering clear of tobacco products and moderating alcohol intake are crucial steps in cancer prevention, as these substances are known to be major contributors to various types of cancer.

Maternal health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and its significance is particularly pronounced in rural communities. In these areas, access to quality healthcare resources is often limited, posing unique challenges for pregnant women and new mothers. The lack of easily accessible healthcare facilities, skilled professionals, and educational programs can lead to delayed or inadequate prenatal care, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Addressing maternal health in rural communities is essential for ensuring the health and survival of both mothers and their newborns.

One of the primary reasons maternal health is crucial in rural areas is the vulnerability of pregnant women to complications. Limited access to prenatal care can result in undetected health issues, contributing to a higher incidence of maternal mortality and morbidity. Moreover, the physical distance to healthcare facilities may hinder timely emergency interventions, making it imperative to prioritize maternal health initiatives that bring services closer to rural communities. By improving access to prenatal care and skilled birth attendants, the likelihood of preventing and managing complications increases, positively impacting maternal and infant outcomes.

Diabetes presents a growing health challenge in rural areas, shedding light on the importance of increased awareness and targeted interventions. In many rural communities, limited access to healthcare facilities, lower socioeconomic status, and a lack of public awareness compound the difficulties of managing diabetes. Routine health check-ups are often scarce, making early detection and monitoring of diabetes less likely. Risk factors such as poor dietary choices and limited opportunities for physical activity in rural areas can contribute to the higher incidence of diabetes. It is crucial to raise awareness about diabetes in these regions to help individuals understand the disease, its risk factors, and the resources available for prevention and management.

Diabetes awareness in rural areas can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the condition. By providing education about diabetes symptoms and risk factors, rural residents can become more proactive in seeking regular check-ups and adopting healthier lifestyles. Increased awareness also encourages healthcare providers to offer diabetes screening and management services in underserved regions, ensuring that rural populations have access to the care they need. Empowering communities with knowledge about diabetes creates a supportive environment for those living with the disease, reducing stigma and fostering understanding among family and friends.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, an estimated 1 in 6 people in the United States (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food.

With food safety basics, everyone can keep their family safe from foodborne illnesses so it's important to understand food safety basics and how to practice them in the kitchen. 

National Community Health Worker (CHW) Awareness Week is August 28 - September 1 and is the first ever national campaign with CHWs at the center!

The National Association of Community Health Workers has developed this event to increase awareness of CHW identity, roles, impact on communities, and leadership – and to promote policies that respect, protect and authentically partner with the CHW profession.

National Breastfeeding Month is celebrated annually in August and is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and parents. The observance also aims to raise awareness of racial disparities in breastfeeding numbers and work towards reducing them by providing culturally sensitive support, education, and resources to communities facing more significant breastfeeding challenges. 

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child's health and survival. Although more than 80 percent of mothers in the U.S. start off breastfeeding, less than a quarter exclusively breastfeed their baby at 6 months. According to the CDC, fewer non-Hispanic Black infants (74.1 percent) are ever breastfed compared with Asian infants (90.8 percent), non-Hispanic white infants (85.3 percent), and Hispanic infants (83.0 percent).

In order to achieve health equity, access barriers need to be removed and high quality, need-based resources allocated. Health equity promotion is the aspirational guarantee of optimal health for all.

In this article, five actionable strategies for promoting health equity are summarized by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Often, meaningful equity work requires major shifts in approaches, dedicated resources, and targeted efforts toward social justice.