Limited access to healthcare is widespread across the state of Tennessee

Needs across care types (primary care, dental, and mental health) are similar

Ten (10) distressed counties in Tennessee include: Lake, Hardeman, Perry, Clay, Grundy, Bledsoe, Morgan, Scott, Hancock and Cocke. (source:  Transparent Tennessee)

69 of Tennessee's 95 counties (73%) are considered fully rural by HRSA 

66% of HPSA designations and 77% of federally designated facilities are in fully rural counties

14.8 %  of Tennesseans  between 18 and 64 years of age do not have health insurance; this number jumps to 16 % when looking specifically at those living in rural areas

10.6 % of Tennessee families live below the federal poverty line; looking specifically at rural families, the rate is 12%

Reports such as the Tennessee Department of Health’s “Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Report” do not accurately describe the availability of primary care safety net services in rural Tennessee because they make no mention of federally designated Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). RHCs should be included in state efforts to improve quality of care, workforce, and social drivers of health.

RHCs are critical primary care provider in rural communities, particularly in the 19 counties that do not have Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). Independent RHCs that are not part of a large system who should be eligible for Safety Net funds if they demonstrate they provide primary care services to uninsured, offer “Sliding Fee Scales,” and meet the National Health Service Corporation standards.

While there are many advanced practice recruitment and incentive programs, those funds are typically not available to independent providers such as Rural Health Clinics who provide primary care.

Healthcare workforce shortages for entry-level professions such as Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, and Phlebotomists plague the state. Support is needed to coordinate workforce programs that work with K-12, technical and community colleges, and employers to support the retention, recruitment, and upskilling of future healthcare workers.