State and National Partners

The Tennessee Public Health Foundation works directly or in partnership with state and national public health organizations to provide professional development and education to Tennessee's current and future public health workforce in addition to all Tennesseans interested in public health issues.  Click on the links to the following partners to learn more about the roles they play in promoting the health and prosperity in Tennessee.  Click here for a full list of our Academic Partners.

The Tennessee Department of Health provides funding through a contract with the Tennessee Public Health Foundation to host an annual educational conference.  Local, state and national experts come together over a three-day period during September or October of each year to share the latest public health programs, policies, and research with attendees.  

The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities throughout the United States. APHA is the only organization that combines a 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence policy to improve the public's health on a national level.

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA of TN) is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization comprised of individuals and organizations committed to improving the health of rural Tennesseans. Members include rural health care providers, school health professionals, and others who care about rural health and are interested in working to affect positive change in the health and well-being of all rural people in Tennessee. By proactively involving its members, partner organizations, and policymakers, RHA of TN identifies rural health concerns and works to resolve those issues through service, education, and advocacy.

The Tennessee Nurses Association  is a unifying voice for nursing in Tennessee.  TNA's mission is to: 

  • Empower the registered nurse
  • Advocate for the practice of nursing
  • Model nurse advocacy and political involvement
  • Champion quality health care equity for all Tennesseans

The American Lung Association's focus on lung health & diseases, stop smoking initiatives and clean air advocacy are significant contributions to improving the environment for Tennesseans especially those with asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions.

The American Heart Association  leads the nation's fight against the No. 1 and No. 5 killers - heart disease and stroke - of Americans.  AHA funds lifesaving research, advocates for healthier communities, improves patient care and works for equitable health for all people.

The Tennessee Medical Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization representing Tennessee physicians. We advocate for policies, laws and rules that promote healthcare safety and quality for all Tennesseans and improve the non-clinical aspects of practicing medicine.

The Tennessee Primary Care Association unites health centers and other providers of care in an effort to improve access for the medically underserved. We are a bridge between community needs and the decision makers at the federal, state, local, and corporate levels. 

The American Cancer Society seeks to free the world from cancer.  Toward that end, ACS provides funding and conducts research, shares expert information, supports patients, and spreads the word about prevention. 

Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center that has provided high-quality affordable care for underinsured and uninsured Middle Tennesseans since 1968.  MWCHC's approach is “comprehensive”, and focuses on providing preventive and primary healthcare for the whole person and the whole family in one place.

Tennessee Men's Health Network seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of men and their families across the state.