Local and Regional Health Departments
Every Tennessee county has a local health department and some of Tennessee's larger counties have multiple health department facilities. A total of 89, primarily rural, county health departments operate under the Tennessee Department of Health in Nashville. The TDH Commissioner appoints the directors for these 89 local health departments, grouped into seven State regions and served by a TDH Regional Office. The public health services provided at the 89, rural health departments vary, reflecting population health needs and the capacity of funding available year-to-year.
Tennessee's six larger, urban counties – Madison, Shelby, Knox, Davidson, Hamilton and Sullivan – have health departments that operate under local governance, and also work closely with the Tennessee Department of Health. Directors of the six larger, urban county health departments are appointed by their county leadership. In some instances, a health board appointed by the mayor will provide recommendations regarding these appointments. Services provided the six, urban health departments vary, reflecting population health needs and the capacity of funding available from year to year. Here are links to the urban county health departments in Tennessee: