Office of Minority Health
OMH supports the Tennessee Department of Health's efforts by building healthier communities and reducing health gaps.About the Office of Minority Health (OMH)
The Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination (OMH) works to promote health policies, programs, and services that improve health and quality of life while addressing the disproportionate burden of disease, injury, and disability among racial, ethnic, and underserved populations in Tennessee. Our mission is to empower communities to support optimal health for all and eliminate health disparities.
OMHDE’s strategic priorities include Health in All Policies, Capacity Building, Partner Engagement, Alignment and Coordination, and Monitoring for Improved Performance.
The Office serves as the central point of contact for the Tennessee Department of Health on minority health issues. Tennessee’s racial and ethnic populations include African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. Health disparities often result from social determinants of health, limited prevention, and barriers to care.
Through collaboration with community-based and faith-based organizations, academic institutions, coalitions, and other partners, OMHDE supports programs and initiatives that promote health equity. Efforts include community outreach, education, seminars, funding opportunities, and health promotion campaigns.
Office Contacts
Michel Perry, MPH – Director
Email: Michel.L.Perry@tn.gov
Phone: 615-770-6927
Cell: 615-767-9303
Monique Anthony, MPH, CHES – Deputy Director
Email: Monique.Anthony@tn.gov
Phone: 615-253-8347
Cell: 629-215-0642
TDH Related Offices & Division
Health Disparity Data
The Office of Minority Health (OMH) provides data on health disparities across Tennessee. These data help identify gaps in health outcomes and support strategies to improve equity for all populations. Explore the topics below to view available data and reports.
Health Disparity Report
- Health Disparities Report (2024) - This report summarizes health differences across the state and provides data to support strategies for improving health equity.
Minority Mental Health
Tennessee and national partners provide a variety of mental health resources to support minority communities. These programs offer crisis support, education, and professional guidance to help individuals, families, and communities respond to mental health needs.
Tennessee's Crisis Continuum and 988
Description: A statewide network providing 24/7 mobile crisis services, walk-in centers, crisis stabilization units, and respite services to individuals experiencing a mental health emergency. Services are available for both adults and children.
Contact: Call or text 988 and press 0 to connect with a crisis counselor. For more information on Tennessee's Crisis Services Continuum, visit the Crisis Services Continuum page.
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
Description: A community partnership involving law enforcement, mental health professionals, individuals with mental illness or addiction disorders, and their families to improve community responses to mental health crises.
Contact: For more information, visit the CIT in Tennessee page.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Description: Provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy, offering phone or text access to professional counselors, real-time support, resources, and referrals to local providers.
Contact: 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.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Description: Teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
Contact: If you are a community partner interested in participating in an MHFA course, email MHFA.Training@tn.gov. More information regarding MHFA.
Program Contact
Jamila Batts, BSN, MPH, RN
Health Equity Project Manager
Division of Health Disparities Elimination / Office of Minority Health
Email: Jamila.Batts@tn.gov
Phone: (404) 242-1406
Pathways, Connections, and Impact (PCI) Team
Who We Are
The Pathways, Connections, and Impact (PCI) Team is a driving force behind the Health Excellence Roadmap - a strategic initiative by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) to transform public health systems and improve outcomes for all Tennesseans.
As trained facilitators, coaches, and capacity builders, we guide internal teams and community partners across the state in putting purpose into practice.
Our Mission
To support every division, region, and partner of TDH in turning health challenges into measurable impact through purposeful training, practical tools, and people-centered action.
What We Do
We Facilitate
Deliver foundational and advanced learning on the Health Excellence Roadmap.
We Coach
Support divisions, offices, and partners through roadmap implementation.
We Build Capacity
Strengthen workforce development, community engagement, and systems transformation.
All efforts are aligned with the STRETCH Framework, which focuses on:
- Community-Led Approaches
- Place-Based Initiatives
- Workforce Development and Organizational Infrastructure
- Data-Driven Management
- Finance Systems
Contact the PCI Team
For questions or more information, contact the PCI Team through our online form. You may also reach out directly to the team lead listed below for additional assistance.
Cosmelitia J. Sain
Pathways, Connections, and Impact (PCI) Program Manager
Email: Cosmelitia.Sain@tn.gov
About the REACH Program
The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program provides funding to advance health equity across communities.
REACH grants are awarded to:
- State and local health departments
- Tribes
- Universities
- Community-based organizations
These recipients work together to build strong partnerships and implement evidence-based public health strategies that are culturally tailored and collaboratively executed.
Key Points
Health Excellence Focus Culturally Tailored Strategies
Evidence-Based Interventions Collaborative Implementation
| Strategy | Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy 1.1 | Nutrition - Food Service Guidelines | Promote healthy food procurement policies in facilities and programs. |
| Strategy 1.2 | Nutrition - Fruit & Vegetable Vouchers/Produce Prescriptions | Expand access to fruits and vegetables through voucher and prescription programs. |
| Strategy 2 | Physical Activity - Community Design | Connect pedestrians, bicycles, and transit networks to everyday destinations. |
| Strategy 5 | Family Healthy Weight Programs | Implement evidence-based programs to address adult and childhood obesity. |
TDH REACH Grant Highlights
- Award Period: December 2023 – September 2028 (Grant ID: CDC-RFA-DP-23-0014)
- Target Populations: Individuals and communities at higher risk or burden of chronic conditions
- Geographic Focus: Shelby, Davidson, Hamilton, and Knox counties
REACH Coordination
In addition to the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) supports several other key initiatives that promote healthy eating and active living.
These programs include the State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program and the High Obesity Program (HOP).
REACH Tennessee (REACH/TN) actively coordinates with the High Obesity Program Tennessee (HOP/TN) and the CDC-2320 Diabetes Grant recipients to align efforts and expand program offerings to communities across the state.
Funding Opportunities
The Office of Minority Health (OMH) releases three types of funding opportunities each year:
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Contracts
- Community- and Faith-Based Organization Competitive Grant Awards
- Community-Based Sponsorships
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Contracts
OMH partners with HBCUs across Tennessee to support campus-based and student-led prevention activities. These activities aim to reduce risk factors and promote health behaviors for students, staff, and surrounding communities. Contract requirements include:
- Conducting risk assessments, education, and health promotion activities
- Training and engaging students to develop skills for volunteer or career opportunities in public health, clinical practice, and health research
Goal: Increase access to a diverse and culturally competent health workforce in Tennessee.
Community- and Faith-Based Organization Competitive Grant Awards
OMH issues a Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit proposals from community- and faith-based organizations. The goal is to implement innovative strategies to improve community health by addressing social determinants of health.
Note: The current funding cycle is closed. Sign up to receive updates about upcoming opportunities.
Successful applications typically include activities that:
- Engage target populations experiencing health disparities
- Identify SDOH influencing community health, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities
- Develop sustainable strategies to improve health outcomes through prevention and improved access to services
- Plan and implement activities addressing at least one identified SDOH
- Measure progress toward improved health outcomes
- Evaluate the success of partnerships
- Share outcomes with other organizations and communities
Community-Based Sponsorships
OMH provides sponsorships to support community events, activities, and training sessions that address health disparities. These sponsorships aim to promote sustainable approaches to improving health and preventing disease in underserved communities.
Note: Funding is based on availability. More information will be released for upcoming sponsorship opportunities.
For additional funding information, visit the Tools & Resources tab on the Healthy Places page.
This Page Last Updated: March 26, 2026 at 5:04 PM