NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health’s role related to Ballad Health’s certificate of public advantage is to provide active supervision, to improve the health and well-being of the region and to maintain access to high-quality health care. These goals guide the department’s data-centered approach in evaluating any plans, strategies and tactics proposed by Ballad Health.

NASHVILLE – Sexually transmitted diseases are preventable and treatable, yet they remain a major public health issue in Tennessee and across the United States. April is STD Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of STDs on the lives of Tennesseans and the importance of discussing sexual health with health care providers and partners.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health State Public Health Laboratory has confirmed two additional cases of measles in residents of East Tennessee. This brings the total number of measles cases in Tennessee in 2019 to three. The two new cases are associated with the first measles case in Tennessee this year which was announced April 18, and were identified as part of the ongoing contact investigation.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health continues to investigate a case of measles in a resident of East Tennessee and notify people who may have been exposed to the illness through contact with the patient. This investigation has identified two locations the patient visited in Tennessee where members of the public may have been exposed to measles.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is investigating a case of measles after the State Public Health Laboratory confirmed a positive test for the illness in a resident of the East Tennessee.

NASHVILLE — In response to federal arrests of medical professionals in Tennessee and other nearby states through the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown, the Departments of Health and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and the Division of TennCare have activated community-based substance abuse resources and statewide call lines to serve affected patients.

NASHVILLE – What are your plans for the day, the week, the weekend? We often make time to think about upcoming events and plan activities so we can most enjoy them. But what if you could no longer make or share your own choices? Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed April 16, 2019 Healthcare Decisions Day in Tennessee to encourage Tennesseans to make plans for their healthcare in the event they cannot make or communicate their decisions.

NASHVILLE – Morgan McDonald, MD FACP FAAP has been appointed deputy commissioner for population health for the Tennessee Department of Health. McDonald had been serving as interim deputy commissioner in this position since October 2018. She previously served as assistant commissioner for Family Health and Wellness, a role in which she led TDH efforts in maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, health promotion and supplemental nutrition.

NASHVILLE – Choosing nutritious foods and getting enough physical activity can make a real difference in the health of Tennesseans. During National Nutrition Month® 2019, the Tennessee Department of Health is encouraging everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits.

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Health is now participating in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program. U.S. Army Operations and Information Technology Manager Caitlin Whitmire is now serving in the TDH Division of Health Disparities for her fellowship assignment. The state of Tennessee’s participation in Hiring Our Heroes is facilitated by the Tennessee Department of Human Resources. TDH is one of three state agencies participating in the program this year.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health today issued the first Maternal Mortality Review report, Tennessee Maternal Mortality Review of 2017 Maternal Deaths. This report describes the state of maternal mortality in Tennessee based on a comprehensive review of deaths of women who died while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy. The goal of this effort by the Tennessee Maternal Mortality Review Committee is to identify opportunities for preventing maternal deaths and promoting women’s health. The MMR committee determined 85 percent of all maternal deaths reviewed to be preventable.

NASHVILLE – Love shouldn’t hurt. Healthy relationships consist of trust, honesty, respect, equality and compromise. It’s important to help young people learn how to build and recognize healthy relationships to support their development and keep them safe. The Tennessee Department of Health is taking part in Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month to help prevent dating violence among Tennessee teens.

NASHVILLE – The Certificate of Public Advantage Local Advisory Council will conduct a public hearing Thursday, February 7 in compliance with the Terms of Certification of the COPA that include a formal process for the public to comment on Ballad Health System’s Annual Report.

NASHVILLE – Are you in a toxic relationship? You are if you use tobacco products. The Tennessee Department of Health joins partners across the state celebrating the third annual Tennessee Quit Week February 4 – 9, 2019 and invites all Tennesseans to support those who have quit using tobacco products and inspire more people to join them.

NASHVILLE – The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on your health! The Tennessee Department of Health urges women to contact their health care provider or local health department to ask about routine screening for cervical cancer, a silent killer that strikes without symptoms or pain. Cervical cancer can be prevented with recommended vaccination and regular screenings.