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Coping with the Effects of Crisis and Trauma

Tuesday, May 04, 2010 | 05:05 pm
NASHVILLE – In the aftermath of the recent devastating flooding and severe weather, many Tennesseans are finding their lives changed in ways they have never before experienced. After encountering such trauma, many people feel their safe, routine lives have suddenly become dangerous and unpredictable and they feel simply overwhelmed.
 
Trauma can lead to any number of emotional, behavioral and physical responses that may include feelings of anger, sadness, grief, guilt, or anxiety over people or property lost; problems with sleeping or eating; substance use; or symptoms such as headaches, numbness, and nausea. These are normal responses for persons who experience a traumatic event but they can be addressed in healthy ways.
Health Care, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

Teens Encouraged to Make Smart Choices about Sexual Behavior

Friday, April 30, 2010 | 02:19 pm

National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is May 5

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health joins the nation on May 5 in observing the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This annual health observance, part of National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, was established in 2002 to remind teenagers about the importance of avoiding pregnancy, parenthood and other serious consequences of sex.

Health Care, Health

Tennessee Approves New Childhood Immunization Requirements

Monday, March 29, 2010 | 11:26 am

Most Changes Go Into Effect July 1, 2010

NASHVILLE – For the first time in a decade, Tennessee has adopted new childhood immunization requirements to better protect children from serious diseases, especially those that can spread easily in a school or pre-school setting. The new 2010 requirements apply to those who attend child care, pre-school and school, and changes coming in 2011 affect new Tennessee college students. The state has also introduced a new official Tennessee Certificate of Immunization required for children starting pre-school, Kindergarten and seventh grade this fall.

Health Care, Health

New Western Mental Health Institute Opens

Monday, March 15, 2010 | 09:51 am
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner (TDMHDD) Virginia Trotter Betts hosted the grand opening of the new Western Mental Health Institute today.
 
The new facility includes a state-of-the-art “treatment mall” where patients will spend the majority of the day in a classroom atmosphere receiving services including counseling, medication management, case management, and other psychiatric inpatient services. The facility will also house a telemedicine pilot program in collaboration with Carey Counseling Center in Union City, Tenn., in an effort to reduce unnecessary transportation to the institute for mental health assessments.
Health Care, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Bredesen Announces CoverKids to Resume Enrollment March 1

Thursday, February 11, 2010 | 01:00 am
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that CoverKids, Tennessee’s program for uninsured children, will reopen enrollment to new members on March 1, 2010. Enrollment in CoverKids was suspended late last year when membership reached the maximum that could be supported by the current budget.
Health Care, Cover Tennessee

Quit Tobacco for Better Health in the New Year

Thursday, January 28, 2010 | 01:05 pm
Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine Offers Support to Any Resident Who Wants to Quit
 
NASHVILLE – The beginning of a new year is a wonderful time to decide to quit tobacco use, one of the most important things you can do for your health. It’s never too late to quit no matter how long you’ve been smoking. While quitting can be a challenge, it can be done, especially with the help of professional support. Tennesseans have a greater chance of quitting for good and keeping their New Year’s resolution with help from the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, a free coaching service available to all adult Tennesseans who wish to stop using tobacco.
Health Care, Health

Don't Forget Second Dose of H1N1 Vaccine

Friday, January 15, 2010 | 05:35 pm
Parents Reminded Children Under Age 10 Need Two Doses
 
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding parents that children under the age of 10 require two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine in order to be fully immunized against the virus. H1N1 flu vaccine is plentiful in Tennessee and widely available through county health departments and other providers across the state. Tennessee’s county health departments are providing this vaccine at no charge to patients.
Health Care, Health

TennCare Managed Care Organizations Receive High Marks in Behavioral Health

Monday, October 26, 2009 | 12:00 am
NASHVILLE — The Bureau of TennCare today announced the results of the 2009 HEDIS/CAHPS Report: A Comparative Analysis of Audited Results from TennCare Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). The report shows that TennCare’s Middle Tennessee MCOs performed above – and in many cases significantly exceeded – the 2008 national Medicaid average for measures related to behavioral health as well as drug and alcohol dependence treatment.
Health Care, TennCare