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.

NASHVILLE – Human trafficking is a public health concern that affects individuals, families and communities here in Tennessee. It is the modern-day slavery, the sale of another person for sex. While this crime is largely hidden, Tennessee leads the nation in its approach to addressing human trafficking. The Tennessee Department of Health urges all Tennesseans to learn about risk factors, red flags and resources for human trafficking to be part of the solution, and possibly help save a life.

NASHVILLE, – Emma has unseated Ava as the number one name for baby girls born in Tennessee, rising to the top of the list of the most popular names for babies born in 2018. William maintains the number one spot as the most popular name chosen for baby boys in Tennessee for the 12th straight year.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health Office of the State Chief Medical Examiner has received $1.4 million in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to gather critical data on homicide, suicide and other violent deaths. Tennessee is one of ten states to receive new funding to use the National Violent Death Reporting System, which will provide NVDRS with state-level data on violent deaths from all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.