The Rural Health Association of Tennessee was recently recognized in an article from East Tennessee State University highlighting innovative efforts to improve the health and well-being of older adults across the state.

The article, “Helping Seniors Thrive Through Connection,” features ETSU’s CHAT program, which focuses on connecting older adults with behavioral health needs to local senior meal sites. This approach helps reduce social isolation while improving access to nutrition and supportive services—two critical factors in promoting healthier aging, especially in rural communities. RHA is proud to be included among the partners supporting this important work. Collaborations like this reflect the power of community-driven solutions and reinforce the role partnerships play in addressing complex rural health challenges.

The Tennessee Charitable Care Network is strengthening communities across the state through its support of Community Health Workers. These trusted professionals serve as a bridge between patients and the health care system, helping individuals navigate services, access resources and receive culturally responsive care.

Community Health Workers play a critical role in improving health outcomes, increasing access to care and addressing barriers that often prevent people from getting the help they need. Through funding, training and workforce development, TCCN ensures these frontline workers are equipped to make a lasting impact.

The Tennessee Hospital Association’s Physician Workforce Landscape report offers a detailed look at the state’s physician supply, current and projected demand, and the capacity of medical education programs through 2035. It finds that Tennessee is facing a significant physician shortage, with the number of practicing doctors about 13 % below the national per-capita average.

The report also highlights a widening gap between the number of medical school graduates and available residency training slots in the state, a trend projected to grow over the next decade. To address these challenges, the study outlines potential strategies for strengthening the physician pipeline and supporting recruitment and retention efforts across specialties and geographic areas. The report is part of THA’s broader workforce research aimed at supporting hospitals’ workforce planning and advocacy as Tennessee’s population continues to grow and age.

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Rural Health Association of Tennessee celebrated National Rural Health Day on November 20th in Seiverville, Tennessee at our 31st Annual Conference, "Connecting Care, Strengthening Communities". The conference was a dynamic and engaging three days of learning from experts in rural health fields across the state, bringing together professionals within the healthcare field. It provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences, fostering growth and collaboration. 

The Rural Health Awards Luncheon is RHA's distinguished event designed to recognize and honor outstanding achievements, exemplary contributions and noteworthy accomplishments across rural health in Tennessee. It brings together individuals, professionals and organizations deserving of recognition for their exceptional work, innovation, and dedication. We are honored to host this event to showcase excellence and highlight the positive impact of individuals in the healthcare field.

Congratulations to our 2025 Poster Contest Winners!

RHA's 11th Annual Poster Contest included submissions for the following divisions: 

Undergraduate and Masters Student

We are saddened to share the passing of Hal Leftwich, a long-time member of Rural Health Association of Tennessee and an active member of our Legislative Committee. 

Hal had more than 40 years of experience in healthcare leadership, serving the last seven years as CEO of Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida. He worked in hospitals large and small but had a special love for rural hospitals.

The Tennessee Center for Health Workforce Development is thrilled to announce their inaugural TCWD Middle TN Discovery Summit, hosted by Belmont University and sponsored by TN HOSA, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This event is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen healthcare pathways by offering professional insights and showcasing vital programs and resources for anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

TCWD invites high school and early college students across Middle Tennessee to join them for a unique event designed to ignite interest in the diverse and rewarding field of healthcare. This is an incredible opportunity for students to explore the many career paths available, hear directly from industry professionals, and gain insights into what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field.

Congratulations to our 2024 Poster Contest Winners!

RHA's 10th Annual Poster Contest included submissions for the following divisions:

1. Undergraduate and Masters’ Students
2. Doctoral and Professional Students (MD, DO, PA, NP, DMS, PhD, etc.)
3. Postdoctoral Trainees (Medical Residents, Fellows, etc.)
4. Faculty

Submissions are scored for Scientific Content (75%) and Virtual Poster Display (25%). Winners receive a small gift card from Rural Health Association of Tennessee.

Partners in Policymaking is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 class!

Partners in Policymaking® is a FREE leadership and advocacy training program from the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities.  

The below is from the Cleveland Daily Banner, December 30, 2023

Rural Health of Association of Tennessee celebrated National Rural Health Day on November 16th in Knoxville, Tennessee at our 29th annual conference, "Shining a Light on Rural Health: Advocating for a Brighter Future." The conference was a dynamic and engaging three days of learning from experts in rural health fields across the state, bringing together professionals within the healthcare field. It provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences, fostering growth and collaboration. Attendees were able to benefit from a diverse range of presentations and panel discussions delivered by leaders in Tennessee. Networking opportunities allowed attendees to establish valuable connections, share insights, and explore potential collaborations. 

Congratulations to our 2023 Poster Contest Winners!

RHA's 9th Annual Poster Contest included submissions for the following divisions:

1. Undergraduate and Masters’ Students
2. Doctoral and Professional Students (MD, DO, PA, NP, DMS, PhD, etc.)
3. Postdoctoral Trainees (Medical Residents, Fellows, etc.)
4. Faculty

Submissions are scored for Scientific Content (75%) and Virtual Poster Display (25%). Winners receive a small gift card from Rural Health Association of Tennessee.

The 2023 Membership Voting is open 

Members may login to RHA's Website for details, including:

• 2024 Board Officers
• 2024 Board Members (Each candidate's application is available to view on the Member Landing page)
• Bylaw Changes (summary of proposed changes is on the Member Landing page)
• 2024 Proposed Advocacy Priorities 
  
  

Voting will remain open through November 16th (Rural Health Day) and results will be shared at our Annual Member Meeting on Friday November 17th (end of Annual Conference).

The voting link will also be available in RHA's Conference App.

Action for Healthy Kids has allocated nearly $30 million in subgrants to 264 school districts across 44 states and the District of Columbia, as part of a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance student nutrition and meal quality in high-need schools. This program marks the largest targeted investment by the USDA for school meal programs in small and rural communities, promoting better nutrition for all students.

The funds, provided by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, will benefit small and rural school districts, empowering them to modernize their operations and provide healthier meals. Each eligible school district can receive up to $150,000, which can be used for activities like staff training, kitchen upgrades, redesigning food service spaces, and bringing in educated nutrition/dietician staff.

This week we recognize our community health centers in honor of National Community Health Centers Week, August 6th-12th. Community Health Centers (CHCs) dismantle obstacles to healthcare by catering to every patient, regardless of their insurance situation or financial capacity. They furnish care that is culturally and linguistically suitable, and extend enabling services to tackle non-medical necessities.

CHCs represent consumer-oriented and patient-centric institutions that fulfill the role of a comprehensive and economically viable primary healthcare solution for the most marginalized communities. These centers enhance healthcare accessibility and deliver integrated services tailored to the distinct needs of the populations they support. 

Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) celebrated National Rural Health Day in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on November 17, 2022, to honor those who work every day to help keep Tennessee healthy. 

The celebration was part of a three-day event bringing rural health providers, school health, and others together to deepen understanding of rural health issues and celebrate rural leaders leading the way for a healthy tomorrow throughout rural Tennessee. The below individuals were recognized for their outstanding service to rural health. 

Congratulations to our 2022 Poster Contest Winners!

RHA's 8th Annual Poster Contest included submissions for the following divisions:

1. Undergraduate and Masters’ Students
2. Doctoral and Professional Students (MD, DO, PA, NP, DMS, PhD, etc.)
3. Postdoctoral Trainees (Medical Residents, Fellows, etc.)
4. Faculty

Submissions are scored for Scientific Content (75%) and Virtual Poster Display (25%). Winners receive a small gift card from Rural Health Association of Tennessee.

Congratulations Ann Cranford the Director of the Recruitment and Retention Program in the State Office of Rural Health.

Ann has been a member of RHA for several years. Recently, at the 3RNet Annual Conference she received the Fred Moskol Award. This award recognizes a person who possesses outstanding leadership abilities, supports the mission of 3RNET, responds compassionately to the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations and does so with a collaborative and compassionate spirit.