Rural Health Association of Tennessee

RHAT hosts an annual conference, the purpose of which is to provide continuing education opportunities to health care providers, state and local government officials, coordinated school health directors, students and others about the health concerns of rural Tennesseans and research-based best practices to address those concerns. The organization also hosts regional events each spring in each of Tennessee's three "Grand Divisions" (West, Middle, East).

RHAT received grant funding for the following programs: 1) Workforce Program: RHA collaborates with K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and employers to support more than 200 individuals achieve careers in healthcare. For the past three years RHA has established new relationships with high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) directors, technical and community colleges, long-term assisted living facilities, and state-level Department of Labor (DOL) entities through a grant-funded pilot aimed at introducing youth to careers in healthcare. 2) Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery - RHA operates a consortium of rural providers and community based organizations committed to reducing the prevalence of Substance Use Disorder across the state. Through the program RHA creates and distributes resources relevant to prescription drug take-back events, medicated assisted treatment, and facilitating trainings to reduce stigma and increase access to mental and behavioral health resources. 3) Maternal Health Advocacy and Education - RHA provides information and resources to raise awareness and training opportunities related to Tennessee's high maternal mortality rates.

Health Care Enrollment Assistance: During the Public Health Emergency there has been an increased need for assistance and referral programs like assistance enrolling people in health insurance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). RHAT began a program to help clinics, community-based organizations, and the people they serve enroll in TennCare, ACA Marketplace plans, and other social services.