NASHVILLE – In Tennessee, approximately 18,000 people are living with HIV, and 760 of them were newly diagnosed in 2018. The Tennessee Department of Health is working to increase access to preventive medication and empower HIV-positive Tennesseans to seek and stay engaged in HIV care. As part of this effort to end the HIV epidemic in Tennessee, TDH is joining the “Undetectable Equals Untransmittable” or “U=U” campaign.

NASHVILLE – Brent Culberson has been appointed assistant commissioner of Health Licensure and Regulation for the Tennessee Department of Health. In this role, Culberson oversees a staff of approximately 350 employees in Health Professional Boards, Health Care Facilities, the Office of Investigations and Emergency Medical Services.

NASHVILLE – Get a flu shot! The Tennessee Department of Health is urging all Tennesseans who have not yet received a flu shot this flu season to get one as soon as possible, as seasonal influenza cases are increasing across the state. Tennessee county health departments are holding special “Fight Flu TN” flu vaccine events in every county November 19 to increase the number of people vaccinated across Tennessee.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is celebrating the lowest infant mortality rate in the state in three years. TDH data show there were 38 fewer infant deaths in the state in 2018 than in 2017. Infant mortality is defined as the death of a child before his or her first birthday, and is a critical indicator of the overall health of the state.

NASHVILLE – Breast cancer is the leading cause of new cancer cases and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Tennessee women, with approximately 5,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in the state. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds Tennesseans that early detection through regular screening and timely treatment can improve chances of survival of breast cancer.

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. – Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP is encouraging Tennesseans to get their influenza vaccinations this flu season and will join local officials getting their seasonal flu shots at the Carter County Health Department in Elizabethton on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Health has reported one death in a patient with serious respiratory disease associated with use of electronic cigarettes or other vaping devices. This is the first such death reported in Tennessee.

MURFREESBORO – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP received her annual flu shot today at the Rutherford County Health Department in Murfreesboro. The flu vaccine prevents millions of flu-related illnesses and doctors’ visits each year and is the first and most important step in preventing the flu.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP is encouraging Tennesseans to get their influenza vaccinations this flu season and will receive her seasonal flu shot at the Rutherford County Health Department in Murfreesboro Wednesday, October 16, 2019.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health has received reports of 49 cases of serious lung injury among people who use electronic cigarettes or other vaping devices. This is an immediate public health concern with potentially severe consequences.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed October 2019 Child Health Month in Tennessee. Child Health Month is a time to celebrate and raise awareness around what Tennessee is doing to promote the health of our most important resource: Tennessee’s children.

The Blount County Health Department celebrated its centennial year of service today at the clinic in Maryville. Blount County Health Department staff members joined colleagues from the Tennessee Department of Health, Blount County officials and other community members for the event. The Blount County Health Department was established as the first public health department in Tennessee in 1919.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is working with the United States Department of Agriculture to help prevent rabies by distributing oral rabies vaccine for wild raccoons along Tennessee’s borders with Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. The annual baiting program administered by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services will begin in Tennessee October 3, 2019.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP has appointed John Webb as deputy commissioner for operations. Webb joins TDH after serving as deputy commissioner for fiscal and administrative services with the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP has suspended new admissions of residents to The Terrace at Mountain Creek effective Sept. 5, 2019. Piercey has also imposed eight state civil monetary penalties of $3,000 each and four civil monetary penalties of $500 each for a total amount of $26,000. A special monitor has been appointed to review the facility’s operations.