The Tennessee Department of Health has scheduled nine meetings across the state to collect input from the general public about the State Health Plan. Each meeting will be in a workshop setting, allowing participants to provide comments and recommendations for setting health objectives for communities.

In Murfreesboro, the meeting will be on August 20th at PAtterson Park Community Center. The meeting will begin at 12:30 in the afternoon and should be over by 2:30. 

The State Health Plan is required by state law, TCA Section 68-11-1625, and is a policy guide for protecting, promoting and improving the health of people in Tennessee. It is reviewed at a minimum annually to address emerging health concerns and to consider new resources and technologies. During each of the workshops participants will help define measurable objectives for their communities in five areas:  Health Status, Access to Health Care and Optimal Health, Economics, Quality of Care and Health and Health Care Workforce.

The schedule of workshops includes:

1. Memphis - Tuesday, July 22, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. - University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Student Alumni Center, Schreier Auditorium, 800 Madison Ave. Parking at Plaza Garage, $3.25 for up to six hours.
   
   
2. Nashville - Thursday, July 24, 10 a.m. to noon - Tennessee State University, Avon Williams Campus, Room 354, 330 10th Ave. North. Parking passes for main lot available at event.
   
   
3. Knoxville - Friday, July 25, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - University of Tennessee, Howard Baker Center for Public Policy, Toyota Auditorium, 1640 Cumberland Ave. Parking at Vol Hall garage, White Ave. entrance for $5.
   
   
4. Johnson City - Monday, July 28, 10 a.m. to noon - East Tennessee State University, D.P. Culp University Center, Forum Room, 807 University Parkway. Complimentary parking.
   
   
5. Dyersburg - Thursday, July 31, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Dyersburg State Community College, Campus Activities Building, FCNB Auditorium,1510 Lake Road. Complimentary parking.
   
   
6. Cookeville - Wednesday, August 6, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Tennessee Technological University, Nursing and Health Services Building, Room 260, 1 William L. Jones Drive. Complimentary parking.
   
   
7. Jackson - Tuesday, August 12, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Jackson State Community College, Science Building, Frank Dodson Science Auditorium, 2046 North Parkway. Complimentary parking behind Science Building.
   
   
8. Murfreesboro - Wednesday, August 20, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Patterson Community Center, 521 Mercury Blvd. Complimentary parking.
   
   
9. Chattanooga - Monday, August 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Erlanger Hospital, Probasco Auditorium, 975 E 3rd St. Parking at Erlanger Garage, $1.

Need more details?

Those with questions or wanting to confirm their attendance should contact Julia Bayles, assistant director of Health Planning, at 615-253-8483 or Julia.Bayles@tn.gov.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments.  Learn more about TDH services and programs athttp://health.state.tn.us/.