Community of Practice

What is a Community of Practice?

 “Groups of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” – Étienne Wenger 

The Health Council Community of Practice (CoP) supports local and regional TDH staff and community members who are involved in County Health Council work. With a focus on equity and community engagement, the Community of Practice provides a structured space to celebrate successes, share best practices, build skills, and foster connections that cultivate leadership among County Health Council participants and support staff.

For broader information relevant to Health Councils, such as funding and training opportunities, sign up for the Health Council monthly newsletter here.

For more information on the CoP, please email Atlee Tyree, Community Engagement Strategist, at atlee.tyree@tn.gov.

CoP Summit Success Stories WordCloud

Monthly Networking Calls

The CoP meets online every month to spotlight Health Council work, network, and share resources. If you would like to attend these meetings and receive updates specific to the CoP, please join the mailing list here

October 2023 (McMinn County Health Council Spotlight): Slides and YouTube Recording

December 2023 (Cocke County Health Council Spotlight): Slides and  YouTube Recording 

January 2024 (Tennessee Vitality Toolkit Launch): Slides and YouTube Recording 

February 2024 (Trousdale County Health Council Spotlight): Slides and YouTube Recording 

March 2024 (Campbell County Health Council Spotlight): Slides

April 2024 (CoP Feedback Activities): Slides

May 2024 (Spring Summit Recap): Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion)

June 2024 (Healthcare Resiliency Program Funding Opportunity): Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion)

July 2024 (Centerstone Partner Spotlight): Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion)

August 2024 (Carter County Collaborative Health Council Spotlight): Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion)

September 2024 (Peer Problem-Solving): Slides and Breakout Group Miro Board

October 2024 (TPHA Recap and Updated Logic Model): Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion)

November 2024 (Hickman County Health Council Spotlight): Slides, YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion), and Q&A document

December 2024 (Wayne County Health Council Spotlight): Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion)

January 2025 (Human Trafficking Awareness): Meeting Slides, Guest Speaker Slides, and YouTube Recording

February 2025 (rescheduled to May 2025 due to weather)

March 2025 (TN Community Compass): Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion)

April 2025 (Mental Health Resources with NAMI) Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion)

May 2025 (Lincoln County Health Council Spotlight) Slides and YouTube Recordings (presentation and discussion).

Spring Summits 2025

The Community of Practice gathered in-person for our third series of spring events across the state. We met in Greeneville, Cookeville, and Jackson to network with other Health Council members and gain tools and resources to support our Health Council work. The program featured opening remarks from Dr. Monty Burks, Deputy Director of the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative, a Health Council leadership panel, and breakout sessions on meeting facilitation, grant readiness, faith-based partnerships, and disability inclusion in the CHIP.

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Group photo at the Middle TN Summit in Cookeville, TN.
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Dr. Monty Burks speaking to the East TN Summit attendees in Greeneville, TN.
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East TN Health Council leaders shared their successes and lessons learned with member engagement and partnership-building. (From left: Tyler Wright, Caroline Chinouth, Airika Actouka, Jennifer Ellison, and Michelle Dubose)
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Attendees network and discuss their vision for Health Councils at the West TN Summit in Jackson, TN.

Spring Summits 2024

In April and May, the CoP gathered in Jackson, Lebanon, and Knoxville for a series of Spring Summits to build relationships, learn from each other, and improve public health skills. The summits included breakout sessions such as a Data Walk, SMARTIE Goal Setting, and Social Determinants of Health 101.  

Photo 1
West TN Spring Summit at the Agricultural Research and Education Center in Jackson, TN
Photo 2
Networking activity during the Middle TN Summit at the Farm Bureau Expo Center in Lebanon, TN
Photo 3
Health Council Spotlight Poster Gallery
Photo 4
Data Walk activity station during the East TN Summit at Bridgewater Place in Knoxville, TN