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In 2023, 72% of patients at Tennessee's Community Health Centers aged 12 and older were screened for depression and received a follow-up plan, up 7% from 2020. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

TN community health centers see significant growth in patient care

Tennessee's community health centers are vital to the well-being of nearly 428,000 residents, according to new data. The centers must report …

A recent Vanderbilt University poll found nearly one in three Tennessee children have had a mental health diagnosis, including 17% diagnosed with anxiety and 10% with depression. (Adobe Stock)

Experts offer health tips for TN kids back in classroom

With Tennessee children back in school, health experts have advice on how parents can prioritize their children's well-being. Medical professionals …

TennCare ofrece cobertura m�dica a aproximadamente 1.3 millones de residentes de Tennessee. (Dmytro/Adobe Stock)

TN ofrece pañales gratis a través de Tenncare y CoverKids

Algunos padres de Tennessee tienen ahora acceso a suministros mensuales de pañales gratuitos gracias al programa estatal de Medicaid. TennCare …

TennCare offers medical coverage to roughly 1.3 million Tennessee residents. (Dmytro/Adobe Stock)

TN offers free diapers through Tenncare, CoverKids

Some Tennessee parents now have access to monthly supplies of free diapers under the state's Medicaid program. TennCare provides coverage for …

The Hardeman County Community Health Center offers maternal health services, supporting women throughout pregnancy and postpartum. It provides care for early and mid-stage pregnancies and collaborates with a team of physicians to ensure healthy deliveries. (Hardeman Community Health Center)

Rural TN health centers celebrate National Health Center Week

This is National Health Center Week, highlighting the dedication of people working in 1,400 Community Health Centers across America - including 260 …

If finalized, lenders would retain the ability to take into account health-related details pertaining to disability payments and comparable benefits, as well as medical information relevant to the loan's purpose. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

Tennesseans could benefit from eliminating medical debt from credit reports

Many Tennesseeans could see higher credit scores if a rule proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau goes into effect. The proposal would …

Tennessee's child care cost burden, measured as a percentage of median household income, rose dramatically to 40.9% in 2022-23. Hardin County faced the highest burden, at 105.7%, while Fayette and Williamson Counties had the lowest, at 19.6% each. (davit85/Adobe Stock)

TN rural counties show slight improvement in poverty rates

The latest report on the well-being of Tennessee's children noted improvements in some areas and challenges in others. Statewide, child poverty …

Cherokee Health Systems serves East Tennessee and its surrounding counties through 19 health centers,<br />telehealth services and a mobile unit. (Cherokee Health Systems)<br />

East TN health centers' community gardens: More than fresh produce

In rural Tennessee, many residents lack access to healthy, fresh, and affordable food. So, two health center systems in the state are sprouting …

Strong family bonds, safe schools and support from caring adults can all protect LGBTQIA+ youths from depression and suicidality, according to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. (Derrick)

Report: 988 lifeline provides robust support for mental health crisis in Tennessee

A mental health report in Tennessee revealed a strong response rate of 89% for 988 crisis line calls. The report from the advocacy group Inseparable …

Connectus Health received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last year. The funding helps improve health outcomes for patients at the highest risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. (Gorodenkoff)

Tennessee health centers bridging gap in women's health care services

The Tennessee Primary Care Association and its affiliated community health centers are working to increase accessibility to essential women's health-c…

As of March, Tennessee still had about 23% of its federal education funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program, which could be used to help boost achievement. The deadline to allocate the funding is Sept. 30. (Adobe Stock)

Kids Count Data Book shows some improvement for TN children

Tennessee ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children, at 36th overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

Compared to other states, Tennessee ranks 41st in the country for its higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care for youth. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Nashville superintendent works to nurture students' mental health

In Tennessee and across the country, Black women who are school superintendents are tackling the challenges faced by students from marginalized …

The Tennessee Lead and Copper Rule tests taps at risk of lead contamination. If more than 10% exceeds the limit, water systems must take action. (GDM photo and video/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

EDF maps show progress on Tennessee lead service line replacement

Tennessee has fallen behind on lead service line replacement, with the Environmental Defense Fund's new maps showing only one utility with a public …

Los ni�os de color est�n inscritos de manera desproporcionada en Medicaid, lo que subraya el impacto potencial de la reducci�n en las familias de color. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Más de 59.000 niños de TN pierden cobertura médica después del COVID

Un nuevo informe del Centro para Niños y Familias de la Universidad de Georgetown afirma que, en todo el país, 4.16 millones menos de ni…

Children of color are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid, underscoring the unwinding's potential impact on families of color. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: More than 59,000 Tennessee kids lose health coverage post-COVID

A new report from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families says nationwide, 4.16 million fewer children were enrolled in Medicaid and …

Individuals present during atmospheric nuclear weapons testing could qualify for a single, substantial financial payment as compensation. (Hamara/AdobeStock)

RECA expansion bill impacts Tennessee, awaits House approval

A Knoxville-based environmental group is advocating for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expansion, currently awaiting House approval…

Senate Bill 2019, sponsored by Rep. Shane Reeves, R-Bedford, is expected to be signed by the governor. It would take effect July 1, 2024. (18percentgrey/Adobe Stock)

TN poised to expand access to opioid treatment at Community Health Centers

There is light at the end of the tunnel for Tennesseans struggling with opioid addiction, as a bill has been passed to increase access to treatment …

A Becker's Hospital report indicates about 85% of healthcare facilities around the country are short of allied health professionals. (Chanelle Malambo/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

VUMC partners with local schools to tackle healthcare staffing shortage

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Tennessee News Service reporting for the WorkingNation/Public News Service Coll…

In 2022, Tennessee's uninsured rate was 9.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Annap/Adobe Stock)

'Dual-eligible special needs' coverage may benefit TN seniors

Certain health plans offer benefits for eligible low-income seniors in Tennessee who have special medical needs but not everyone knows they are availa…

A report from the Tennessee HealthCare Campaign recommended the federal government needs to strengthen 340B drug pricing and other federal negotiation mechanisms to make needed medicines more readily available and less expensive for hospitals to purchase and administer. (Spotmatikphoto/AdobeStock)

Medicaid expansion could save TN rural hospitals from closing

A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …

According to the American Lung Association, more than 63 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy spikes of soot pollution. (BCH Photo/Adobe Stock)<br />

TN groups monitoring soot pollution pleased by new EPA standards

The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized stronger air quality standards for soot pollution and one regional organization said it is a step in…

In a 2021 report by the state, about 31% of patients served by Community Health Centers in Tennessee had no health insurance. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

Making TN healthcare headway is goal of 'Day On the Hill'

Tennessee healthcare advocates and leaders are headed to the State Capitol on Wednesday to voice their concerns over issues that affect patients' acce…

Donors have the opportunity to contribute a full blood donation every 56 days, which is roughly equivalent to eight weeks. (Belish/AdobeStock)

Group urges Tennesseans to donate blood amid critical shortage

Blood donations are important year-round, and January, which is National Blood Donor Month, presents a unique challenge due to the holiday season…

The latest America's Health Rankings report showed some strengths in Tennessee, including a low prevalence of excessive drinking, and low rates of income inequality compared to other states. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Report: Tennessee ranks 44th for health outcomes

A new report highlights what Tennessee could focus on to improve the health of its residents. The latest America's Health Rankings report ranks …

Some Marketplace health-care plans offer lower premiums, as the Inflation Reduction Act has extended the federal subsidies that help pay those premiums through 2025. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Tennesseans still have time to sign up before ACA enrollment deadline

In Tennessee and across the country, the deadline to enroll in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is Friday at midnight. More than 4 …

The latest KFF survey reveals one in six respondents say they can't afford to take time off work to get a COVID-19 vaccine, including more than one-third of Hispanic adults and one-in-five Black adults. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

A new survey found 59% of Black and Hispanic adults reported they have already received the new COVID-19 vaccine or intend to do so. According to …

Hispanic and multiracial high schoolers were most likely to report poor mental health, while Black and Hispanic students were most likely to report symptoms of depression, according to The Sycamore Institute report. (Highwaystarz/Adobe Stock)

Report uncovers trends in TN youth mental health crisis

More young people in Tennessee are experiencing poor mental health and symptoms of depression, and suicide attempts have been trending upward…

Black Americans have a disproportionately higher prevalence of stroke and the highest death rate from stroke compared with any other racial group. (Waseem Ali Khan/AdobeStock)

Tennesseans encouraged to act 'FAST' on World Stroke Day

In Tennessee and across the country, this Sunday is World Stroke Day. One out of four people worldwide will experience a stroke in his or her …

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found flu shots lower the chance of getting the flu by from 40% to 60% among the general population. (RFBSIP/AdobeStock)

Seasonal influenza prevention starts now in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Health is offering free flu vaccines at more than 100 county health departments across the state beginning Nov. 1…

Medical interpreter cohort students after completing first half of their training. The vision of Centro Hispano is to see every Latino and Latina in East Tennessee thriving culturally, educationally and economically. (Courtesy of Centro Hispano de East Tennessee)

Knoxville nonprofit bridges language divide in Latino community

For the growing population of Latinos in Knoxville, having a medical interpreter can make a world of difference. The nonprofit Centro Hispano de …

The last open enrollment period saw a record high number of Tennessee residents signing up for health insurance. More than 340,000 people enrolled in private health plans. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment for health insurance begins Nov. 1

The open enrollment period to purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace begins Nov. 1, and experts urge consumers to do some research …

Tennessee is among 17 states where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says infant mortality rates are

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Black Women Face Greater Risk for Maternal Mortality in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a pregnancy shouldn't be fatal - but Black women are three times more likely to die than white women from pregnancy-related causes…

In Tennessee, almost 801,000 people are facing hunger. Almost 198,000 of them are children, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Alisaaa/Adobe Stock)

Working for Better Access to Doctors, Heathy Foods in Rural TN

September is Hunger Action Month, and Tennessee groups are working to get more heart-healthy foods to people in rural communities as well as greater …

A 2020 study found the COVID-19 pandemic affected Gen Z and their views in key areas such as leadership and living with their parents as well as well-being, and how the pandemic has shaped their beliefs about the future of work, education and much more. (Jacob Lund/AdobeStock)

Groups Provide Vital Resources for Gen Z During Mental-Health Crisis

Mental health has emerged as a pressing concern for young individuals belonging to Generation Z, those born after 1996. A recent study shed light on …

Three in 10 transgender youths aged 13 to 17 live in states that have passed bans on gender-affirming care, according to the Human Relations Campaign. (Adragan/AdobeStock)

Tennessee Ban on Health Care for Transgender Youths Takes Effect

A new law banning gender-affirming health care for transgender youths is now in effect in the Tennessee. The law prohibits medical providers from …

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book reports the median pay for child care workers, who typically must hold a range of credentials, was $28,520 per year or $13.71 an hour in 2022. (Cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

'Kids Count' Data Show Some Improvement for TN Children

The annual Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E Casey Foundation ranked Tennessee 36th among the states for children's well-being. The report found …

Cardiac arrest may be caused by irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias. A common arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation, according to the American Heart Association. (Pixelaway/Adobe Stock)

Saving Lives: CPR, AED Awareness Month in Tennessee

In one year alone, 436,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest. CPR and AED awareness are recognized in June to emphasize the importance of these life-…

In 2022, Save the Children reached nearly 900,000 children in the United States and distributed more than 5 million meals. (AdobeStock)

Summer Break is Broken for Many Rural Tennessee Kids

An advocacy group is expanding summer learning opportunities for families in the Volunteer State. In Tennessee and across the country, isolation and …

The America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report shows strengths in Tennessee, including a low prevalence of excessive drinking, a high percentage of older adults with a dedicated health care provider, and low prevalence of severe housing problems. (InputUX/AdobeStock)

Report Ranks Tennessee Among Least Healthy States for Older Adults

May is Older Americans Month, and a new report shows the Volunteer State is among the bottom of states when it comes to caring for its most …

In 2022, Tennessee had close to one million K-12 students enrolled in nearly 1,906 schools in 148 school districts. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeSTock)

TN School Districts Urged to Focus On Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an education advocacy group wants school districts in Tennessee and across the country to focus on critical m…

Adults with ADHD often cope with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Drug Shortage Leads Some to Alternative Treatment Options

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in Tennessee and across the country there is a shortage of medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperac…

A recent American Hospital Association report reveals price increases for existing drugs continue to outpace inflation, which helped drive a 19.7% increase in drug expenses per patient between 2019 and 2022. (Flamingo-Images/AdobeStock)

Report: Financial Pressures Mount for Hospitals, Putting Patient Access to Care at Risk

A recent report reveals that the mounting financial pressures hospitals in Tennessee and across the country are facing are ultimately affecting access…

The law allows pharmacy providers to appeal their reimbursement from pharmacy benefit managers for drugs and devices, according to the Department of Commerce and Insurance. (Syda Productions/AdobeStock)

Poll: TN Voters Favor Policies that Hold P-B-M's Accountable

In Tennessee and across the country, prescription drug prices are skyrocketing, and a new national poll found most voters want lawmakers to regulate …

The latest drinking water testing (from August 2022) in Nashville by Metro Water Services didn't show any reportable levels of the six types of PFAS that EPA is planning to regulate. (Elena Kharichkina/Adobe Stock)

Officials Take Comment on Tennessee Drinking Water Cleanup

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting public comments on its proposed new drinking water regulations. The agency announced plans to …

According to a new report from the National Association of Community Health Centers, more than 80% of health center patients are either uninsured or publicly insured and covered by Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, or Medicare. (Fizkes/AdobeStock)

Report: Closing the Primary Care Gap for Tennesseans

A new report finds seven million Tennesseans are among 100-million Americans facing barriers to accessing primary care. The report from the National …

Un informe del Centro para la Infancia y la Familia de la Universidad de Georgetown se�ala que Medicaid cubre a unos 83.5 millones de personas, entre ellas m�s de 34.2 millones de ni�os, lo que supone un aumento del 31% desde antes de la pandemia de COVID-19. (Alena Ozerova/Adobe Stock)

Tasa de niños sin seguro de TN podría aumentar si finaliza la emergencia sanitaria

Una ley de la era de la pandemia para ayudar a mantener a los niños y las familias continuamente cubiertos con seguro de salud está a punto …

A report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families notes Medicaid covers about 83.5 million people, including more than 34.2 million children - a 31% increase since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Alena Ozerova/Adobe Stock)

TN Kids' Uninsured Rate Could Rise as Health Emergency Ends

A pandemic-era law to help keep children and families continuously covered with health insurance is set to expire this spring, and advocates are …

To reduce glare, consider a matte screen filter for your device. Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screen and dimming nearby lighting can also help reduce eyestrain, according to The American Academy of Ophthalmology. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Tips for Tennesseans to Avoid Eyestrain, Vision Problems

With the increased use of digital devices and computers in daily life, people are exposed to more and more blue light. Staying connected may be …

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TN: Health