The USDA Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation that impacts rural health, health care access and community development across the country. While often associated with agriculture, the Farm Bill also supports rural hospitals, child nutrition programs and essential services that shape quality of life in rural communities.

Typically renewed every five years, the last Farm Bill was passed in 2018. As Congress works toward the next version, there is an opportunity to strengthen investments in rural health care and economic development. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed its version, while the Senate’s proposal is still pending.

March 3rd, 2026, Rural Health Association of Tennessee Members met with our State Representatives and Senators to talk about the Rural Health Transformation Program, the Rural Health Safety Net, AI "Downcoding" and Certificate of Need.

A special thanks to the follow state Representatives for meeting with us:

February 12, 2026, Rural Health Association of Tennessee members from across Tennessee traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Rural Health Association Policy Institute.

While we were there we had the opportunity to talk about rural health priorities with the following:

February 10, 2026, Rural Health Association of Tennessee staff joined Maternal Health Advocates from around the state to talk about the importance of early intervention and education for new and expecting mothers.

A special thanks to the follow state Representatives for meeting with us:

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.

Congratulations to our 2025 Poster Contest Winners!

RHA's 11th Annual Poster Contest included submissions for the following divisions: 

Undergraduate and Masters Student

Rural Americans are more likely to be self-employed or work for small employers that do not offer insurance. More than one third (35.2 percent) of rural adult workers are not offered employer sponsored coverage, compared to 29.1 percent of urban workers. Without access to employer plans, rural residents depend heavily on the Marketplace and the affordability provided by premium tax credits.

RHA is joining forces with the National Rural Health Association and others across the nation to advocate for the support of the ACA Marketplace and the protection of enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs).

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.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that the State has submitted its application to access federal grant funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which is designed to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities nationwide.

“Tennessee has an historic opportunity to invest in and strengthen healthcare for rural communities for generations to come,” said Gov. Lee. “We know what works, because supporting at-risk and underserved Tennesseans has been a priority of my administration since day one. I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for their partnership to ensure better care, closer to home, for every Tennessean.”

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

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.

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

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the U.S. Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Among other things, FFCRA required state Medicaid programs keep beneficiaries enrolled through the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) in exchange for enhanced federal funding.

In preparation of the PHE ending, RHA signed a contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Finance and Administration, Division of TennCare (TennCare) for “Advocacy and Outreach Services During the COVID-19 Unwinding Period.” This contract allowed RHA to expand upon and later sustain the work that began as part of the TDH contract.

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.