The celebration of life for actor and comedian Leslie Jordan was held in Chattanooga; proceeds from the event were directed to Cempa Community Care.

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Cempa Community Care was recently profiled on December 1st, World AIDS Day. This day is meant to spread awareness about the current status of the HIV and AIDS pandemic and current treatments and research going into the disease.

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Cherokee Health Systems was one of 100 health care organizations who signed the White House/HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge to meet bold targets for emissions reduction and climate resilience.

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The Knoxville Area Urban League recently hosted a "Happy, Healthy Christmas and Insured New Year" event to give people a chance to enter the new year with healthy bodies, minds, and to start the year off with health insurance. The Cherokee Health Systems mobile clinic was at the event to provide health care services. 

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Learn about Audrey Johnson, PhD, a physical therapy professor who embodies ‘pro bono publico’ through service to community

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Community Health of East Tennessee recently received a grant from The Campbell Enhancement Fund, who awarded eight grants to local nonprofits for a total of $15,180 split between the local groups.

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The UT Extension Office recently collaborated with Lewis Health Center to host a series of lunch and learn educational sessions that consisted of healthy eating, exercise, and utilizing a self- monitoring system.

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Congratulations to Katina Beard, CEO, who was awarded the Clifton K. Meador Community Health Leadership Award through the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance.

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Mercy Community Healthcare recently held its annual fall dinner and fundraiser recently at Saint Philip Catholic Church in Franklin. The dinner raises funds to support Mercy’s mental health services, including counseling and psychiatry. 

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Rural Health Services Consortium makes massive medical equipment donation to help the Hawkins County School System in its ongoing efforts to train tomorrow’s nurses and medical professionals.

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Health Centers to Receive $350M for Vaccine Efforts

The Bureau of Primary Health Care announced community health centers will receive a total of $350M in funding this month to increase COVID-19 vaccine rates in their communities.  

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FY23-24 Department Budget Proposals

Tennessee Department of Health

State departments held their budget hearings with Governor Lee throughout November. The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) presented its proposed FY23-24 budget to Governor Lee on November 18. The Department is proposing a $7M increase in recurring funding for the Health Care Safety Net

If the $7M is included in the final budget passed by the legislature, this would bring total recurring funding to $31M. If funded, this would be the highest amount ever allocated to the Safety Net Fund.

Governor Lee and his team will take department budget requests into account when crafting his proposed budget, which will be released along with the State of the State address in February 2023.

View the TDH Budget Hearing Slides >>>

TennCare

TennCare presented its proposed FY23-24 budget to Governor Lee on November 18. TennCare highlighted the adult dental benefit, which will go into effect on January 1, 2023, and is estimated to cover 600,000 Tennesseans.

TennCare also noted the program has grown by 300,000 enrollees during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) due to the pause in redeterminations. Following the end of the PHE, TennCare will begin the process of re-determining eligibility. To streamline this process, members are encouraged to update their contact information with TennCare.

View the TennCare Budget Hearing Slides >>>

Governor Lee Announces Dr. Ralph Alvarado as TDH Commissioner

On November 22, Governor Lee announced Dr. Ralph Alvarado as the new Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health. Dr. Alvarado replaces Interim Commissioner, Dr. Morgan McDonald, who had been appointed following Dr. Lisa Piercey’s departure at the end of May. Dr. McDonald also served as Deputy Commissioner for Population Health.

Dr. Alvarado is the CEO of Alvarado Medical Services with a background in hospital management and 30 years as an attending physician. He has served in the Kentucky state Senate since 2015.

View the press release from the Governor’s office >>>

Continuing Resolution and FY 23 Appropriations

Today, December 16th, marks the deadline when the current continuing resolution is set to expire and Congress has yet to pass the appropriations bills necessary to fund the government in FY23. However, on Wednesday, the House passed another short-term continuing resolution to keep the government funded through December 23rd. The Senate is expected to pass the bill by the end of the week. This continuing resolution would give negotiators additional time to pass a comprehensive FY23 spending package. 

Save the date for NACHC Policy & Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. 

Save-the-date for NACHC’s annual Policy & Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. from March 8-11. This dynamic gathering draws thousands of Community Health Center professionals and leaders from around the country to focus on critical health care issues and hear from thought leaders and top health care officials in Washington. Health center advocates will also descend on the halls of Congress to fight for long-term and stable funding. 

Registration will open in January!

View the conference schedule >>>

Reserve your hotel room for P&I >>>

Funding for CHCs to support AmeriCorps Public Health Workers

PCAs and CHCs can apply for funding to support AmeriCorps members who will focus on public health issues. 

See a list of current Public Health AmeriCorps grantees at https://americorps.gov/funded-grants/public-health-americorps and the types of activities their members are engaged in. 

Applications are due Wed. January 4.