February is a Month to Celebrate and Reflect

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the many contributions of African Americans made throughout history. It is also a time to reflect on the accomplishments made despite the injustices imposed on African Americans over the years, especially to ensure that they are not repeated toward them, other people of color and others with differences regardless of what those may be.  In a time when religion is now used more as an instrument of hatred, we must remind ourselves that our ability to love depends on how we look at our world.  Do we view the world through a lens of fear and ignorance, or do we embrace differences and work together to make a better America?  The Majority Rule, Minority Rights Principle practiced in a democracy such as the United States protects minority rights by ensuring that even if a majority decision is followed, that decision should never impinge on the fundamental human rights of minorities.*  Public health should protect and improve the health of all people and their communities; not as determined by convenience, moral judgment or available resources but because it is the right thing to do.   

“We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience."
Martin Luther King, Jr., Montgomery, Alabama, March 25, 1965.

Learn More About Racism and Health

* https://constitutionus.com/democracy/how-does-democracy-protect-minority-rights/

Evidence-based and Innovative Approaches to Ensure Healthier Communities for ALL is the Theme of this Year's Student Video Challenge

TPHA is currently accepting entrants for the 2023 Student Video Challenge

Deadline is Noon (Central)/ 1:00 pm (Eastern) on Monday, March 13.  Click below for further details.

10th Annual Student Video Challenge Details

Last Year's Video Challenge Winner was Rincon Jagarlamudi, a student in Vanderbilt University's Master of Public Health program whose video was on Health Literacy.  Click on the photo below to view his submission.

photo of girls making salad

Membership has its Benefits

People hearing presentationMembership in the Tennessee Public Health Association is far more than attending an annual conference at a discounted rate.  Membership includes working with like-minded professionals on committees, in professional sections and community volunteer efforts to make Tennessee a healthier and safer place for residents and visitors to live, work and play.  Benefits include professional growth and development, access to resources and events, leadership and skill building, networking and job searching, peer support, internships and mentoring programs and advocacy.  Continue reading to learn more about Member Benefits

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Tennessee Department of Health Launches In the Dark Campaign

The Tennessee Department of Health has launched the In the Dark media campaign, a multifaceted campaign targeting caregivers, those experiencing memory loss, and those engaging in behaviors that put them at risk for dementia to assist in talking with their healthcare provider about next steps.   Click on the photo below for a preview and go to TDH - In the Dark for more information.

                            Caregiver                                                            

TPHA's Policy Agenda

Members meeting with LegislatorsTPHA is the Voice of Public Health in Tennessee.  Whether working to expand the role of its professionals, advance the practice of public health or promote racial, ethnic and gender diversity and inclusion, TPHA members effect change in these areas and more through policy and systems change and by taking a position for or against legislation on the local and state levels.

 

 

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TPHA Recognizes Outstanding Achievements in Public Health

After almost three years of extraordinary challenges, the Tennessee Public Health Association is particularly pleased to showcase the exemplary leadership and tireless commitment required during that time by recognizing the following individuals.  For a description of each award, go to Awards

R.H. Hutcheson, Sr. Award

Ami Mitchell, MS, Regional Director for South Central Region Health Office, Tennessee Department of Health

Teresa Harrill, BS, Director for Loudon and Monroe County Health Departments, Tennessee Department of Health

Alex Shipley, MD, Award

Marianne Sharp, MS, Accounting Manager for East Region Health Office, Tennessee Department of Health

Public Health Worker of 2022

Laura Conner, BS, Director for Roane and Morgan County Health Departments, Tennessee Department of Health

Partner and Leadership Award (Individual)

Crystal Lemus, Student, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 

Partner and Leadership Award (Group)

Rural Health Association of Tennessee

Doris Spain Award for Distinguished Service

Christian Williams, DrPH, MPH, Public Health Program Director, Belmont University 

Volunteer of the Year

Sarah Boop, MPH, RN, Epidemiologist, Northeast Region, Tennessee Department of Health

Ernestine Small, EdD, RN, Nursing Education Coordinator, Shelby County Health Department 

 

 

Instagram | New Social Media Page

A deeper dive into Public Health through images

 The Tennessee Public Health Association is excited to announce the launch of a brand new social media page, which will allow us to provide an even higher level of service to our members. Follow us on for further information on anything and everything concerning public health and more, follow us on Instagram @tnpublichealth_!