The Tennessee Department of Health is recognizing National Birth Defects Awareness Month in January 2023 to encourage healthy choices and habits for prospective parents to help lower their risk of having babies born with birth defects.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dr. Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), effective January 16. Dr. Alvarado will succeed Interim Health Commissioner Dr. Morgan McDonald, MD, FACP, FAAP.

Nashville - The Tennessee Department of Health is recognizing the critical importance of antibiotics to public health during Antibiotic Awareness Week, Nov. 18 to Nov. 24, 2022, and encouraging Tennesseans to avoid overuse of the infection-fighting drugs.

NASHVILLE – Olivia Spears, Esq., has been appointed assistant commissioner for legislative affairs for the Tennessee Department of Health. Spears will direct and oversee the department’s legislative efforts and initiatives.

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Health is promoting breast and lung cancer awareness in November with the annual Pink & Pearl Campaign.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is encouraging all Tennesseans over the age of 6 months to receive this year’s flu vaccine. Vaccinations for flu will be free on Wed., Nov. 9, 2022, at all local health departments in the state for Fight Flu ’22.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health will launch a $230 million grant program on Nov. 3, 2022, to expand the availability and delivery of quality healthcare services for Tennesseans.

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Department of Health today issued new guidance and information around fentanyl and what to do in case of a potential exposure.

NASHVILLE – Elizabeth Foy, Esq., has been appointed chief of staff for the Tennessee Department of Health. In this role, she will provide leadership to internal and external priorities that are essential to the department’s overall success.

NASHVILLE – Mary Katherine Bratton, Esq., has been appointed the general counsel for the Tennessee Department of Health, where she will lead an office of five divisions responsible for the legal support of TDH’s bureaus and programs, and the legal work of 36 health-related boards and committees with statewide oversight.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health and community partners across the state will come together during Human Trafficking Awareness Week, July 24-30, to participate in the Red Sand Project.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dr. Morgan McDonald, MD, FACP, FAAP, as interim commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), effective Friday, June 3.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) released the following actions and guidance regarding the nationwide infant formula shortage.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health, in partnership with the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA), recently awarded hospitals across the state with the BEST Award. The BEST Award stands for Breastfeeding, Early elective delivery reduction, and Safe sleep for Tennessee babies.

NASHVILLE - National Nurses Week begins May 6, and the Tennessee Department of Health is joining the recognition efforts to highlight and promote the work and dedication of public health nurses across Tennessee.