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Members in the News

Jacy Warrell and Ruby Kirby Address Challenges in Rural Health

This State of Reform article touches on healthcare in rural communities: including increasing access to care, examining social determinants of health, and strengthening the workforce, all in order to lessen rural health disparities. Hear from some of your trusted rural health leaders on what they are doing in the community to help rural Tennesseans. Jacy Warrell, RHA CEO, and Ruby Kirby, CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare Critical Access Hospitals discuss the challenges of expanding access to care in rural communities in Tennessee. Access full article here.

Vizient Earns Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index

The results of the 2023-2024 CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+-friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad. Vizient's efforts in satisfying all the CEI's criteria earned a score of 100 and the designation as recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. Read the article here.

• NRHA's Rural Health Policy Institute If you want to join RHA in D.C. at NRHA’s 35th Rural Health Policy Institute Feb. 13-15 to advocate for issues you care about with new and returning members of Congress and administration register here.

• USA Exposome Symposium Mount Sinai Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Exposomics and Meharry Medical College Institute for Health Disparities, Equity, and the Exposome will hold Children’s Health, Environmental Justice, and the Exposome from January 22 to 24, 2024. To learn more and register, click here.

• Addressing the Rapid Rise of Medicare Advantage in Rural Communities Join the National Rural Health Association and their panel to talk about their Leading Rural Health Series as they examine how Medicare Advantage is reshaping rural hospital operations. Register for the January 24th webinar here.

• Not Alone: How to Support Youth Who Experience Trafficking On January 24th join guest speaker Lisa Bolton to hear about how to support children who have experienced forms of trafficking. Register here.

• Empowering Health HPV Understanding: Insight from a Physician Consultant On January 25th Men's Health Network will be hosting episode 4 in their webinar series. Join Dr. Dudney in a much-needed conversation surrounding women's health. More information here.

• Accelerating Innovative Cervical Cancer Care Join HRSA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a webinar on Thursday, January 25, to learn about innovations in cervical cancer prevention and screening. Register here.

• NAHN TN Health Fair National Association of Hispanic Nurses TN will hold its inaugural health fair on February 3rd from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CST at Glenview Elementary School. This fair is geared towards connecting Hispanic families to healthcare resources and services. More information here.

• 2024 NOSORH Rural Health Grant Writing Institute The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health invites you to enhance your grant writing skills. This virtual learning series is tailor-made for beginners aiming to develop the skills needed to research and draft winning program proposals from various funders. The deadline to apply is February 16, 2024. To learn more and register, click here.

• STATTM Virtual Training Workshop March 1st from 8 AM - 5 PM CST, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorder will have a training Workshop that provides training on autism-focused assessments. To learn more and register, click here.

• "Bee" the Change: Create Buzz for Children and Youth Children’s Advocacy Days are not just an opportunity to share knowledge and expertise; it's a call to action. By the end of this two-day event starting March 6th, attendees will be inspired and equipped with practical strategies to continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and youth. More information here.

Resources

• Tennessee Traumatic Brain Injury Annual Report Tennessee Traumatic Brain Injury released its annual report, this comprehensive report provides an in-depth look at the state’s progress in addressing traumatic brain injuries and underscores the pivotal role the partners play in shaping the landscape of TBI awareness, prevention, and support. To learn more, click here.

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262. To learn more, click here.

• Safety Net Report 2023 TDH, in consultation with the Tennessee Dept. of Finance and Administration and other state agencies, have released an annual report to the General Assembly regarding access to care through Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Program service providers, including the adequacy of access and the array of services available. To learn more, click here.

• Digital Access: A Super Determinant of Health The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration cites several sources showing a growing “broadband health gap” that may be contributing to chronic illness and substance use crises. Read more here.

• HRSA Primary Care Training: Physician Assistant Rural Training in Behavioral Health Apply by March 15. HRSA’s Bureau of Health Workforce will make up to 12 awards to accredited physician assistant training programs. The goal of the program is to increase the number of physician assistants in rural areas trained to integrate behavioral health with primary care services. More information here.

• CDC Guide to Cervical Cancer During this awareness month this is a resource that can help educate and inform women about the risks and treatments associated with cervical cancer. More information here.



• Suicide Prevention Media Toolkit The Tennessee Department of Health Suicide Prevention Program now offers a Suicide Prevention Social Media Toolkit that includes sample social media graphics and messages to help spread the message that suicide is preventable, and everyone can play an important role in prevention efforts. Find the toolkit here.

• Maternal and Child Health Journal This is a collection of scientific publications covering an array of maternal health topics. Read more here.

• Vaccine Hesitancy Toolkit COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence is the strategic framework of the CDC to strengthen vaccine confidence and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. Access the toolkit here.

• Rural Health Information Hub The RHIhub is a great first stop when looking for information, opportunities, and resources on rural health. Access the RHIhub here.

Funding Opportunities

The below grants have been hand picked to offer new funding opportunities.

• TSLRP Educational Loan Repayment Deadline January 31
• HRSA Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Deadline January 31
• Tennessee State Loan Repayment Program Deadline January 31
• Appalachian Investments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems Initiative (Letter of Intent Deadline February 16) Deadline March 8
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration NOFO Deadline February 21
• American Corps Connection Ongoing Basis
• Community Facilities Disaster Repair Grants Program Ongoing basis
• Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program Technical Assistance Ongoing basis
• Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Training and Mentoring Ongoing basis
• Appalachian Community Fund Technical Assistance Grants Ongoing basis

Welcome to Our New and Returning Members!

The below organizations have recently joined or renewed their memberships. Members can search our member directory to connect with other members when logging into the RHA of TN's website. While you're searching, update your profile!

Community Clinic of Shelbyville & Bedford County

Maryville City Schools CSH

Lee University School of Nursing

ETSU College of Nursing

Morgan County Medical Center

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors

for making this communication and our annual conference possible.

Rural Health Association of Tennessee

Mailing Address:

PO Box 656,

Decaturville, TN 38329