Division of Health Disparities Elimination

Office of Safety Net and Health Access

The former Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Program has transitioned to the Office of Safety Net and Health Access, within the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Health Disparities Elimination.

The State of Tennessee provides Safety Net services through the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS).

TDH offers programs and services through:

• County and Regional Health Departments, and
• The Office of Safety Net and Health Access.

TDMHSAS administers the Behavioral Health Safety Net.

Partnerships and Services

The Office of Safety Net and Health Access partners with Federally Qualified Health Centers, Community- and Faith-Based Organizations, the Tennessee Charitable Care Network, the Tennessee Primary Care Association, and Project Access. These partnerships help increase access to healthcare for uninsured adults ages 19 through 64 by providing:

• Primary care
• Dental care
• Behavioral health services, and
• Specialty care coordination services

Participating providers submit quarterly reports and receive payment based on the number of eligible patient encounters.

Tennessee Project Access Network

The Tennessee Project Access Network serves all 95 Tennessee counties and has provided specialty care services to patients in 86 counties. The program operates through five regional offices located in Chattanooga, Johnson City, Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis.

The Tennessee Project Access Network does not provide direct clinical health care services. Instead, it partners with networks of physicians, health care providers, hospitals, and other facilities. The program helps patients access specialty care, diagnostic services, preventive care, and care management, including support for social service needs.

Project Access Coverage Areas Dashboard

Uninsured Adult Health Safety Net Provider Locations Map

Patient Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for services, patients must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be between 19 and 64 years of age
• Be uninsured
• Live in Tennessee
• Have an income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

For a complete and up-to-date list of participating providers, please refer to the most recent annual report linked below.

Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Annual Reports

The Safety Net Annual Reports provide data and program updates on how Tennessee’s Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Program and its partners expand access to essential health services for uninsured adults across the state.

Office Contact

Alle Crampton, Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Program Director
Email: Alle.M.Crampton@tn.gov
Phone: 629-208-5444

Health Disparities in Tennessee

Data and Reports

Explore our latest data and reports to see how the Tennessee Department of Health tracks progress toward eliminating health disparities across the state. These resources highlight key findings, community outcomes, and ongoing efforts to ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity to achieve their best health.

Educational Resources

Learn more about the causes and impacts of health disparities in Tennessee. These resources offer educational materials and training opportunities to help individuals and organizations promote health equity in their communities.

Previous Outreach Campaigns

Archive Notice: The following materials are archived and provided for historical reference only. They reflect information and initiatives that were current at the time of publication and may no longer be accurate; these materials are no longer updated.

Explore previous initiatives from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Division of Health Disparities Elimination (DHDE), including videos, presentations, and community stories that advanced health equity across Tennessee.

Presentations - COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force

• Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx Communities (2020)
• Black Community (2020)
• Rural and Remote Communities (2020)
• Congregate Settings (2020)
• Children, Youth, and Families (2020)
• Older Adults, Chronic Conditions, and People Living with Disabilities (2020)

Health Equity Podcast

External link and accessibility notice: The link below takes you to a website outside TDH. TDH does not control the content, privacy policies, or accessibility of external sites.

English (Apple Podcasts)

Español (Apple Podcasts)

For more episodes of Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby, visit the podcast website.

Our Voices Campaign

The Our Voices Campaign was launched by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Division of Health Disparities Elimination (DHDE) to elevate real stories from Tennesseans whose lives were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This campaign highlighted the resilience, challenges, and shared experiences of individuals and families across the state.

Through short videos, community interviews, and personal testimonials, participants shared how COVID-19 affected their health, work, and connections to care. The campaign aimed to strengthen trust, promote accurate health information, and inspire continued community engagement in Tennessee’s recovery efforts.

Campaign Goals

• Amplify authentic community voices and lived experiences.
• Increase awareness of how COVID-19 impacted diverse populations across Tennessee.
• Foster dialogue between residents, health professionals, and community partners to advance health equity.

Get Involved

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Division of Health Disparities Elimination (DHDE) invites individuals, organizations, and communities to help build a healthier, more equitable Tennessee. Through events, partnerships, and funding opportunities, DHDE creates spaces for collaboration, learning, and shared action to eliminate health disparities statewide.

Community Events

Discover upcoming opportunities that connect Tennesseans to health education, services, and partnerships.

Tennessee Health Disparities Advisory Group

Formerly known as the Tennessee Health Disparities Task Force.

The Tennessee Health Disparities Advisory Group brings together partners from across the state to address health inequities and strengthen community collaboration. To join the Advisory Group or be added to the distribution list, email TDH.OFBCE@tn.gov.

About the Advisory Group

In April 2020, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Division of Health Disparities Elimination (DHDE) launched the Tennessee Health Disparities Advisory Group, formerly known as the Tennessee Health Disparities Task Force. The group was created to address the disproportionate number of individuals in minority and vulnerable communities who were contracting COVID-19.

Members examined data, monitored trends, and developed responsive solutions throughout the pandemic. As membership expanded, the Advisory Group identified broader priorities, including:

• Chronic diseases
• Mental health
• Infectious diseases
• Environmental justice

The Advisory Group comprises representatives from community and faith-based organizations, academic institutions, healthcare providers, and public health agencies throughout Tennessee.

Meeting Information

Meetings are held weekly on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Time. Each meeting features discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities designed to share knowledge and support community-driven solutions.

We value the voices of all Advisory Group members. If you would like to present during a weekly meeting, share information about your organization, or suggest a topic for future discussion, please get in touch with us at TDH.OFBCE@tn.gov.

Funding Opportunities

Explore grants and resources that support community-led efforts to improve health outcomes across Tennessee.

Power of We Scholarship

The Power of We Scholarship, offered by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in health care fields who are dedicated to improving health equity and serving Tennessee’s diverse communities. Each year, the scholarship awards funding to outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to addressing health disparities in the state.

For eligibility details, application deadlines, and requirements, visit the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Power of We Scholarship page.