State Presents Greene County $164,500 In Safety Net Funds For New Health Department Expansion

Today, on behalf of Governor Phil Bredesen, Northeast Regional Health Director Fred Adams presented Greene County Mayor Alan Broyles $164,500 in Safety Net funds to assist with the expansion of the Greene County Health Department.  Adams was joined by Greene County Health Director Rebekah English as well as other state and county government officials. The funds are part of a total of $917,000 in Safety Net funding awarded to county health departments this year to help build, purchase or enlarge facilities. 

“The State of Tennessee is committed to expanding access to basic health care services to its citizens,” said Governor Bredesen.  “Our Safety Net investments are crucial to ensure that residents have these services available in their own communities.  We will continue our work with the Tennessee General Assembly to support the network of health care providers who care for uninsured citizens in this area and throughout Tennessee.” 

“I was glad to work with Governor Bredesen to expand our provision of health care, and I’m pleased to see that continued commitment at work in Greene County today,” said Rep. Eddie Yokley, District 11, who represents part of Greene County.  “This displays our determination to provide primary care to as many of our people as we can.” 

“Primary care is the essential entry point for people who need access to the health care system, and I’m encouraged to see this expansion in Greene County,” said Sen. Steve Southerland, District 1.  “I’m pleased to see the state and the county working together to bring this essential service to those who need it.” 

“I’m pleased to see us continue to expand the availability of primary health care in Greene County,” said Rep. David B. Hawk, District 5, who also represents part of Greene County.  “I voted to appropriate the Safety Net money and I’m glad to see the citizens of this area benefit from it.” 

In the fall of 2005, the Department of Health began offering new or expanded adult primary care services to uninsured residents of Tennessee in an effort to strengthen the state’s health care Safety Net.  In June 2006, Governor Bredesen signed the Cover Tennessee Act, which included initiatives to create a low-cost insurance program for uninsured working Tennesseans and to extend health coverage to uninsured children and chronically ill adults. 

“We just feel really fortunate and appreciative of the funds devoted to Greene County,” said Greene County Mayor Alan Broyles.  “Our space was running out, and we were in dire need of an expansion.  It’s going to be a tremendous boost for the people here, and we look forward to getting the project completed.” 

“Tennessee’s county Health Departments are an essential part of the State’s health care Safety Net,” said Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, Commissioner of Health.  “Our providers can now offer important services to many people who may have previously gone without needed health care.  These investments allow us to continue our work to increase access to primary care services for all uninsured Tennesseans.”  

The Greene County Health Department is a long-time provider of primary care services.  In addition, it offers a variety of services including immunizations; well child/EPSDT screenings; WIC and nutrition services; birth and death certificates; breast and cervical cancer screening; family planning; testing, counseling and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases; home visiting programs such as Help Us Grow Successfully (HUGS) and Child Health and Development (CHAD); communicable disease control; and a dental clinic.  Last year, the Greene County Health Department provided care for more than 3,500 adult primary care visits and more than 17,000 other visits.  The facility currently has only 650 square feet of clinic space.  Once the expansion is complete, the Health Department will have more than 1,400 square feet of clinic space.  

“We are excited and proud to expand our Primary Care Clinic for our Greene County citizens,” said Greene County Health Director Rebekah English.  “The renovation will allow us to serve our patients by providing more efficient medical care.” 

The Greene County Health Department is located at 810 West Church Street in Greeneville.  The facility is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.  To make an appointment or to get more information, individuals should call (423) 798-1749.