State Presents Sequatchie County $184,400 In Safety Net Funds For New Health Department Expansion

On behalf of Governor Phil Bredesen, Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, has presented Sequatchie County Executive David Barker $184,400 in Safety Net funds to assist with the building of a new facility for the Sequatchie County Health Department.  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.”

“This should complete the package to make a new Health Department a reality for the benefit of the entire county and region,” said Rep. Bill Harmon, District 37, who along with Sen. Jerry Cooper, District 14, represent the Sequatchie County area and supported the appropriation of the Safety Net funds.

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 feel it’s an honor that our county was chosen,” said Sequatchie County Executive David Barker.  “We have a nice, modern Health Department and we’re doing a great job with what we have, but it’s too small, so we’re very excited about building a new health facility.  It’s badly needed in our community and will really serve our people.”

“Tennessee’s county Health Departments are an essential part of the State’s health care Safety Net,” said Commissioner Cooper.  “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 Sequatchie County Health Department began offering primary care January 1, 2006.  In addition, the facility 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, and communicable disease control.  The Sequatchie County Health Department provided care for nearly 1,250 adult primary care visits and more than 2,300 other visits from January through September of last year. 

“Our patient numbers have increased greatly since the addition of primary care,” said Sequatchie County Health Director Charlene Nunley.  “Our providers currently share clinic space, and clinic flow can be slowed down as providers have to wait for an exam room.  When we have the new facility, we will be more efficient at meeting our patients’ needs.” 

The Sequatchie County Health Department is located at 170 Church Street in Dunlap. 

The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; family planning services are offered on Friday from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  To make an appointment or for more information, individuals should call (423) 949-3619.