Tennessee Department of Health

TN Dept of Health Color

Tennessee Department of Health

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is a state agency in Tennessee responsible for public health services and programs. The department's mission is to protect, promote, and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. The TDH operates under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee state government and collaborates with various local, state, and federal agencies to achieve its goals.

History

The Tennessee Department of Health was established to address the public health needs of the state's residents. Over the years, the department has evolved to include a wide range of services, from disease prevention and control to health education and emergency preparedness.

Organization

The TDH is organized into several divisions and offices, each focusing on specific areas of public health. These include:

• Division of Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness
• Division of Family Health and Wellness
• Division of Health Licensure and Regulation
• Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination
• Office of Rural Health

The department is headed by the Commissioner of Health, who is appointed by the Governor of Tennessee.

Services

The Tennessee Department of Health provides a variety of services to the public, including:

• Immunization programs
• Disease surveillance and control
• Health education and promotion
• Maternal and child health services
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Licensing and regulation of healthcare facilities

Public Health Initiatives

The TDH is involved in numerous public health initiatives aimed at improving the overall health of Tennessee residents. Some of these initiatives include:

• Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine
• WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
• Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program
• Project Diabetes

Locations

The Tennessee Department of Health operates health offices and clinics throughout the state, ensuring that residents have access to essential health services. These facilities are located in various counties and regions, providing both urban and rural communities with necessary healthcare resources.

See Also

• Public health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services