(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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a vital campaign that emphasizes the significance of timely vaccination for infants and young children. Immunization during early childhood is crucial for protecting against vaccine-preventable diseases, safeguarding individual health, and promoting community immunity. NIIW provides a dedicated platform to raise awareness about the importance of infant immunization, educate parents and caregivers about vaccination schedules, and encourage healthcare providers to prioritize immunization efforts.
One of the primary objectives of National Infant Immunization Week is to ensure that infants and young children receive the recommended vaccines according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Vaccination schedules are carefully designed to provide protection against a range of infectious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, and influenza. By adhering to these schedules and ensuring that infants receive their vaccinations on time, NIIW helps prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and reduces the risk of outbreaks in communities.
The Healthy Smiles Student Loan Repayment Program provides educational loan repayment to qualified dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants in exchange for a service obligation to practice full-time at dental clinics located in medically underserved areas.
Practitioner Eligibility Requirements:
Brain Links is sharing a brief set of Criminal Justice resources as part of our Tennessee Brighter Futures (TBF) Collaborative. The TBF mission is Building brighter futures for Tennesseans by improving how systems of support collaborate to identify, educate and serve people with co-occurring needs.
Below is a snapshot of Criminal Justice Resources:
Tuesday, April 9th, we had the opportunity to host our regional event at Paris Landing State Park and see our west region members. Members had the opportunity to hear from professionals on topics including MAT in Corrections, current drug trends, social drivers of health, and more.
The presentation can be found below:
Adequate screening, detection, and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy is critical to reducing cases. The Tennessee Department of Health screening guidelines published in January 2024 include:
Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) is a critical initiative aimed at addressing the significant disparities in maternal health outcomes experienced by Black women in the United States. This dedicated week takes place from April 11th-17th and raises awareness about the disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and advocates for policies and interventions to improve Black maternal health outcomes. In rural areas, where access to quality healthcare services is often limited and disparities in healthcare delivery are exacerbated, BMHW holds particular importance in highlighting and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black mothers.
In rural communities, Black maternal health disparities are compounded by factors such as geographic isolation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers. Black women in rural areas often face barriers to accessing prenatal care, maternal health services, and obstetric care providers, leading to delays in receiving essential care and increased risks during pregnancy and childbirth. BMHW provides a platform to amplify the voices of Black mothers in rural areas, advocate for equitable access to healthcare services, and address systemic issues that contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Public Health Awareness Month holds particular significance for rural areas, where access to healthcare services and health education can be limited. In rural communities, residents often face unique challenges such as geographic isolation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic disparities, which can contribute to poorer health outcomes. Public Health Awareness Month provides a crucial opportunity to address these disparities by raising awareness about prevalent health issues and promoting access to healthcare resources in rural areas.
One of the key benefits of Public Health Awareness Month in rural areas is its role in increasing health literacy and empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health. By providing information about preventive measures, early detection of diseases, and healthy lifestyle choices, public health initiatives during this month can help rural residents take proactive steps to improve their well-being. This education is especially vital in rural areas where healthcare providers may be scarce, and individuals may have limited access to medical expertise.
Join us on April 17 from 11AM - 12PM for an informative lunch session hosted by Upper Cumberland Council on Children and Youth, Rural Health Association of Tennessee, and Power of Putnam. Discussion topics will cover substance use disorder, maternal health, emergency preparedness, and access to care in rural TN. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to grow and learn together!
Guest Speaker:
