CEO Message
Faith, family, and friends are often seen as life’s greatest treasures, yet good health is what allows us to fully enjoy them. Without it, our ability to work, support our families, and enjoy life is greatly diminished. Because of my own cardiovascular health journey, I’m especially passionate about protecting my health so I can remain present for the people and experiences that matter most.
At HealthCareTN (HCTN), we have a passion for improving the health of Tennesseans. According to the latest America’s Health Ranking, Tennessee currently ranks 47th in the nation for residents living with multiple chronic conditions, and the problem continues to grow. Employers, brokers, and consultants all play an important role in creating healthier workplaces and connecting Tennessee employees with effective chronic condition management strategies and solutions. Through HCTN’s partnership with the Tennessee Department of Health, we can help!
Employers and brokers/consultants: ASK HOW HCTN CAN PROVIDE FUNDING TO HELP YOU LAUNCH LIFE-CHANGING CHRONIC CONDITION MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS FOR EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES!
Working together we can improve the health and wellbeing of Tennesseans! For more information about these programs, please reach out to Trinette Small at tsmall@hctnonevoice.org.
Phil Belcher
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May is High Blood Pressure and Stroke Awareness Month — an important reminder that supporting employee heart health is also a workforce health and productivity strategy. To learn more about the connection between high blood pressure and stroke risk, practical prevention strategies, helpful employer resources, and HCTN’s no-cost Omada Hypertension Program Pilot, read the full article and access valuable resources to support a healthier workforce.
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Can the Administration of GLP-1s Benefit from a Precision Medicine Approach?
The GLP-1 market is best described as "contained chaos." These medications have transformed diabetes and obesity management, but their steep costs and uncertain long-term effects have created a financial tension that isn't going away.
A new biomarker test from Hepta may offer a way forward. By identifying patients biologically predisposed to respond well to GLP-1 therapy, it brings a precision medicine approach to what has largely been a trial-and-error process — helping employers and plan sponsors target treatment more effectively and spend more wisely.
For organizations looking to build smarter, more efficient benefit programs, tools like the Hepta test are exactly the kind of innovation the market needs.
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Leapfrog Spring 2026 Hospital Safety Grades
HealthCareTN (HCTN), proud Leapfrog Regional Leader, is excited to share the Spring 2026 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade results and highlights from across the Tennessee region. This latest report recognizes 31 hospitals in the Tennessee region earning an “A” Safety Grade and highlights Tennessee’s ranking of 15th nationally for percentage of “A” hospitals—demonstrating encouraging progress in patient safety, quality, and transparency.
As an employer-led coalition, HCTN continues to work alongside employers, hospitals, and healthcare stakeholders to advance safer, higher-value healthcare for Tennessee communities. Our latest report highlights regional Safety Grade breakdowns, “Straight A” hospitals that have sustained excellence since Spring 2023, and key statewide patient safety trends. We encourage employers and purchasers to read the press release, explore the report and learn more about how hospital safety and transparency impact employees, families, and healthcare purchasing decisions.
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Employers Lend Their Voice to Healthcare Policy Discussion
This spring, HCTN brought employers to the table with Tennessee federal delegates--Senator Blackburn, Senator Hagerty, and Congresswoman Harshbarger — creating a direct line between the people who fund healthcare and the lawmakers who shape it.
These conversations matter. Employers represent one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — forces in healthcare policy. HCTN is changing that, ensuring the employer voice carries weight at both the state and national level.
This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage later this year.
Want to make your voice heard? Connect with HCTN and be part of the conversation.
| | New Employer Member Highlight | | HCTN Nashville Employer Conference | | Lunch is included with conference registration for all attendees! | | This conference brings together Tennessee-based employers, HR professionals, and benefits leaders who are ready to challenge the status quo in healthcare. Designed for employer purchasers and healthcare stakeholders, the event highlights courageous innovations that respond to a critical moment as healthcare costs continue to accelerate toward unsustainability. Now is the time for bold decisions—moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions to create more sustainable, employee-centered healthcare. | | HCTN Health, Well-Being and Benefits Peer Roundtable | | |
Exclusive to HCTN employer members
Tuesday,
June 16, 2026
8:30 am - 9:30 am CT/
9:30 am - 10:30 am ET
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As an employer-led coalition, HealthCareTN is grounded in the belief that employers learn best from one another—and your feedback consistently confirms this as one of the most valuable benefits of HCTN membership. These peer roundtables are designed to create a space for employers to connect, exchange ideas, and lead the conversation on benefits and workforce well-being.
This roundtable is intentionally designed to be:
- Employer-only (no vendors, consultants, insurance TPAs, etc.)
- Closed-door and not recorded (notes may be taken for follow-up purposes only)
- Facilitated, but informal
- A safe space to network, share strategies, collaborate, and learn from peers facing similar challenges
For more information contact Trinette Small, tsmall@hctnonevoice.org.
| | MARK YOUR CALENDAR! HCTN 2026 Regional Employer Conference Series | | Follow HealthCareTN on LinkedIn, where we share the latest updates on events, initiatives, and resources. | | | HCTN is a proud member of The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. | | | | |
