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Smiles Inc. Clinic Offering Dental Services to Low-income Uninsured Adults

Smiles, Inc. is a nonprofit dental clinic located in the old Armory in South Pittsburg, TN. They provide general dental services to low-income, uninsured adults in the surrounding area.  Most services (extractions, fillings, minor surgery, and cleanings) are free to qualified adults. You can download an application at www.smilesclinic.org or go by the office and pick one up. The office number is (423) 228-3077.

• Health for All: A Language Inclusion Webinar Series Join Rural Health Association for an eight-week webinar series to discuss varying populations within our rural communities that experience a larger gap in health disparities. This webinar series will be held weekly beginning on February 29th at 11am CST and go through April 18th. For more information, 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.

• Opioid Abatement Council Meeting The March 18th meeting will be held at the Farragut Community Center 239 Jamestowne Blvd #201, Assembly Hall, Farragut, TN 37934. The meeting will also be live-streamed. For the livestream access please, click here.

• Immunization Provider Expo The Tennessee Department of Health Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program will be hosting an Immunization Provider Expo starting in each of Tennessee's regions during the month of March. These gatherings are designed to bring vaccine providers together to foster networking, enhance their knowledge, and collaboratively address challenges. To access all dates and register, click here.

• National Association of Rural Health Clinics: Spring Conference The March 18th-20th NARHC Institutes are put on by the only national association dedicated strictly to Rural Health Clinics. A wide range of rural health professionals will be in attendance including CEOs, CFOs, Physicians, PAs, NPs, Clinic Managers, Billers & Coders. For more information, click here.

• Active Living Conference This conference taking place March 25th-28th brings together a diverse audience and provides networking and engagement opportunities for active living researchers and practitioners from many fields. Presentations and discussions focus on the importance of creating healthier communities for all people. Read more here.

• Food and Nutrition Security Summit This virtual summit will bring Tennessee stakeholders together to share the work they are doing, provide feedback on the development of a statewide collaborative, and learn how food and nutrition security councils and networks operate in other states. Please see attached flyer here for April dates.

• Positive Aging Conference 2024 This April 5th conference will delve into critical aspects of aging, offering a comprehensive exploration of topics such as mental health, the impact and management of opioid use, nutritional insights, veteran benefits, the secrets behind blue zones (regions of the world where people live longer and healthier lives), innovative longevity strategies, and technologies for staying connected and independent. To learn more and register, click here. Registration will conclude on March 22nd.

• HRSA Virtual Job Fair This April 28th job is a free online recruitment events that connect career-seeking health care professionals with representatives from health care facilities across the country. Registration can be found here.

• NARHA Annual Rural Health Conference Join NRHA and hundreds of rural health leaders from across the country down in the bayou to help raise the standard for rural health with over 80 innovative, practical, and cost-saving sessions and much more. For registration, click here.

Resources

• RHIhub Guide on Rural Maternal Health This new topic guide shares information on maternal and infant health disparities in rural areas. Covers issues impacting rural maternal health, including access to services and workforce challenges. Also shares information on programs and policies to support rural maternal healthcare. For more information, click here.

• Certified Peers: Breaking the Stigma Tara Harrington's journey to recovery from addiction has been a long road, but she's passionate about sharing her story and how Medication Assisted Treatment helped her along the way. Now in recovery, Tara is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who works at a treatment agency. For Tara's story, click here.

• Tennessee Professional Screening Questionnaire This is a free service of the Tennessee Medical Foundation. This 24/7 confidential online platform allows you to anonymously take a brief questionnaire for stress, depression, and other mental health conditions, receive a personal response from a site mental health professional, exchange messages with the MHP, ask questions, receive recommendations and support for connecting with available mental health services. For access, click here.



• 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.

• 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.

• Tennessee Rural Residency Incentive Program Deadline March 1
• COMPASS Initiative SPARK! Grants Deadline March 12
• Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Research on Barriers to Care and Risk of HIV-Associated Comorbidities among Vulnerable Population Groups Deadline May 8
• American Electric Power Foundation Grants Deadline Ongoing basis
• 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!

Tennessee Doulas Association

Smiles, Inc.

Sevier County Schools CSH

Project Access West Tennessee

Manchester City Schools CSH

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