Message from Christi, January 23, 2023
TCCN Members and Friends,
The 113th General Assembly convened at Noon on Tuesday, January 10th and will be in session over the next several months. TCCN's Policy Committee will be active as we monitor the Governor's recommended budget and legislation that would impact our members or the patients you serve. We are also planning to host our Annual Legislative Hill Day on Tuesday, March 28th. Please save the date and make plans to join us for this important opportunity to educate lawmakers about TCCN, our member organizations, the patients you serve, and the tremendous impact you have in your communities.
In addition to the new legislative session, we have a new Commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), Dr. Ralph Alvarado. Leaders from TCCN will be meeting with Dr. Alvarado soon. We look forward to getting to know him and sharing information about our member organizations and the important role you play in the Health Care Safety Net. We want to ensure our communication and partnership with TDH remain strong.
Thank you for all you are doing throughout the communities of Tennessee. Our team is continually amazed by your dedication and compassion. Please feel free to reach out to any of us if you have questions, suggestions, or if there is any way we can better support you.
The 113th General Assembly convened at Noon on Tuesday, January 10th and will be in session over the next several months. TCCN's Policy Committee will be active as we monitor the Governor's recommended budget and legislation that would impact our members or the patients you serve. We are also planning to host our Annual Legislative Hill Day on Tuesday, March 28th. Please save the date and make plans to join us for this important opportunity to educate lawmakers about TCCN, our member organizations, the patients you serve, and the tremendous impact you have in your communities.
In addition to the new legislative session, we have a new Commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), Dr. Ralph Alvarado. Leaders from TCCN will be meeting with Dr. Alvarado soon. We look forward to getting to know him and sharing information about our member organizations and the important role you play in the Health Care Safety Net. We want to ensure our communication and partnership with TDH remain strong.
Thank you for all you are doing throughout the communities of Tennessee. Our team is continually amazed by your dedication and compassion. Please feel free to reach out to any of us if you have questions, suggestions, or if there is any way we can better support you.
Message from Christi, October 10, 2022
Dear TCCN members, supporters, and friends,
I am so honored to be on this journey with each of you. Since I was last with you six and a half years ago, the Network has matured; the funding has substantially increased; the membership has grown; and a strong team and foundation have been established. What a legacy Mary Kiger left!
My return to TCCN has been full of joy, gratitude, appreciation, and a sense of coming home. It was wonderful to see so many of you at the TCCN 2022 Annual Conference in Memphis. I left feeling energized and even more deeply connected to all of you and this important work. Many thanks to all of you who made me feel so welcome; encouraged me; offered your full support; and shared your own stories with me. I am also so in awe of and thankful for the many friends and partners that now support TCCN. I know that together, we will have a positive impact on access to care and the health and well-being of our un- and under-insured neighbors across the state.
As we look to the remainder of 2022, we will be finalizing our goals, objectives, and strategies for the next few years; hiring a Director of Quality; and preparing for the upcoming legislative session. I look forward to connecting with all of you around these initiatives as well as hearing from you about the ways TCCN can be most supportive of your work.
All My Best,
Christi
TDH Awards TCCN $7.9 Million Grant
TCCN GRATEFULLY ANNOUNCES THE EXTENSION OF VACCINE EQUITY FUNDING FOR TWO MORE YEARS THANKS TO TDH’S “IMMUNIZATION COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS (COMMUNITY OUTREACH)" GRANT. WITH $7.9M, OR $3.95M PER YEAR, TCCN MEMBERS FUNDED UNDER VACCINE EQUITY WILL BUILD ON THEIR CURRENT WORK BY ADDING NEW CAPACITIES AND STRATEGIES. NONPARTICIPATING TCCN MEMBERS CAN JOIN IN MOVING FORWARD AND WILL BENEFIT BY LEAPFROGGING THE NEW PROGRAM LEARNING CURVE THANKS TO SHARED BEST PRACTICES WITHIN TCCN’S COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE.
TCCN’S NEWEST GRANT SEEKS TO INCREASE THE USE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS (CHWS), WHOSE ROLE IS TO CULTIVATE VACCINE CONFIDENCE WHILE REDUCING VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS. GRANT FUNDING WILL COVER CHW SALARIES AND RELATED PROGRAM EXPENSES. TCCN WILL HIRE A DEDICATED PROGRAM MANAGER TO OVERSEE THE PROGRAM WHILE SUPPORTING TCCN’S SUB AWARDEES IN HIRING, TRAINING, RECRUITING, EVALUATING, AND RETAINING THEIR CHWS. TCCN’S PROCESSES FOR GRANTING, CONTRACTING, REPORTING AND OVERSIGHT WILL BE SIMILAR TO THOSE EMPLOYED IN PREVIOUS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES; PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS.
THE TCCN TEAM IS HONORED TO SUPPORT YOU, OUR MEMBERS, IN THE INCREDIBLE WORK YOU DO IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS TENNESSEE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIFE-GIVING WORK!
TCCN’S NEWEST GRANT SEEKS TO INCREASE THE USE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS (CHWS), WHOSE ROLE IS TO CULTIVATE VACCINE CONFIDENCE WHILE REDUCING VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS. GRANT FUNDING WILL COVER CHW SALARIES AND RELATED PROGRAM EXPENSES. TCCN WILL HIRE A DEDICATED PROGRAM MANAGER TO OVERSEE THE PROGRAM WHILE SUPPORTING TCCN’S SUB AWARDEES IN HIRING, TRAINING, RECRUITING, EVALUATING, AND RETAINING THEIR CHWS. TCCN’S PROCESSES FOR GRANTING, CONTRACTING, REPORTING AND OVERSIGHT WILL BE SIMILAR TO THOSE EMPLOYED IN PREVIOUS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES; PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS.
THE TCCN TEAM IS HONORED TO SUPPORT YOU, OUR MEMBERS, IN THE INCREDIBLE WORK YOU DO IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS TENNESSEE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIFE-GIVING WORK!
May wishes from Mary, May 16, 2022
Dear TCCN members and supporters,
Elton John and I are both doing our farewell tours and I can only hope that he is enjoying his adventure as much as I am mine!
The TCCN team has been traveling across Tennessee to meet with every member to learn about your services, operations, challenges, hopes and successes. The TCCN team is sharing updates, conducting compliance, gathering stories, taking pictures, identifying best practices, and providing onsite technical support as needed. If we haven’t visited you yet, hold on, because we are coming!
It’s been too long since I have been able to visit TCCN members in person and I’m finding your organizations stronger, more resilient, and, if possible, even more committed to serving vulnerable Tennesseans. You live the expression, “standing in the gap” and because you do, your uninsured and underserved neighbors don’t have to choose between health care and food, housing, or other necessities. You are remarkable and serving you has been the highlight of my wonderful 40-year career.
The TCCN Board of Directors is doing an excellent job of finding my replacement and I am confident that the next Executive Director will take TCCN to new heights. Keep me in your prayers and know that I’ll keep you in mine.
Gratefully, Mary
Elton John and I are both doing our farewell tours and I can only hope that he is enjoying his adventure as much as I am mine!
The TCCN team has been traveling across Tennessee to meet with every member to learn about your services, operations, challenges, hopes and successes. The TCCN team is sharing updates, conducting compliance, gathering stories, taking pictures, identifying best practices, and providing onsite technical support as needed. If we haven’t visited you yet, hold on, because we are coming!
It’s been too long since I have been able to visit TCCN members in person and I’m finding your organizations stronger, more resilient, and, if possible, even more committed to serving vulnerable Tennesseans. You live the expression, “standing in the gap” and because you do, your uninsured and underserved neighbors don’t have to choose between health care and food, housing, or other necessities. You are remarkable and serving you has been the highlight of my wonderful 40-year career.
The TCCN Board of Directors is doing an excellent job of finding my replacement and I am confident that the next Executive Director will take TCCN to new heights. Keep me in your prayers and know that I’ll keep you in mine.
Gratefully, Mary
Seasons Greetings from Mary, December 20, 2021
Dear TCCN Members and friends,
Your work is a daily testament to the sacredness of life. I don’t have words sufficient to express my gratitude for who you are and what you do. I offer instead this blessing by John O’Donohue and hope that it fills your heart to overflowing, as it does mine!
A Blessing for Presence
May you awaken to the mystery of being here
And enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift
And find the courage to follow its path.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift, Woven around the heart of wonder.
Source: O’Donohue, J., (1998). Eternal Echoes. Exploring our hunger to belong.
Your work is a daily testament to the sacredness of life. I don’t have words sufficient to express my gratitude for who you are and what you do. I offer instead this blessing by John O’Donohue and hope that it fills your heart to overflowing, as it does mine!
A Blessing for Presence
May you awaken to the mystery of being here
And enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.
May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift
And find the courage to follow its path.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and anxiety never linger about you.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift, Woven around the heart of wonder.
Source: O’Donohue, J., (1998). Eternal Echoes. Exploring our hunger to belong.
Happy Holidays from Mary, November 22nd 2021
Dear TCCN members, partners, and supporters,
During this time of focused Thanksgiving, I want to say how grateful the TCCN team is for each of you and the way you contribute to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable Tennesseans. I love all the literature that reinforces my natural proclivity to be grateful: to quote Dr. Amit Smood of the Mayo Clinic, “counting your blessings each day has been shown to significantly increase your happiness — and your physical health. In addition to helping you get more sleep, practicing gratitude can boost your immunity and decrease your risk of disease.”
Please join me, today and every day in counting your blessings and know that I count you among mine.
Happy Thanksgiving (every day!)
Warm regards,
Mary
During this time of focused Thanksgiving, I want to say how grateful the TCCN team is for each of you and the way you contribute to improving the health and well-being of vulnerable Tennesseans. I love all the literature that reinforces my natural proclivity to be grateful: to quote Dr. Amit Smood of the Mayo Clinic, “counting your blessings each day has been shown to significantly increase your happiness — and your physical health. In addition to helping you get more sleep, practicing gratitude can boost your immunity and decrease your risk of disease.”
Please join me, today and every day in counting your blessings and know that I count you among mine.
Happy Thanksgiving (every day!)
Warm regards,
Mary
Message from Mary, October 21st 2021
Hello TCCN members and friends,
This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting Church Health Center, the Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis, Healing Hands of Tennessee, and Interfaith Dental with Joe Agoada, Sostento CEO and leader of Project Finish Line. Meeting with members did my soul deep good – there is nothing more motivating than seeing the tremendous work you do firsthand. Empowered by my booster and flu shot, along with my trusty mask, I’m looking forward to visiting many more of you over the coming months. While your organizations have been “nose to the grindstone” (ouch!) providing critical services to vulnerable populations, TCCN has been working with partners to secure funding to support your work and vision for growth.
First, let me express our gratitude to all the members who are participating in Project Finish Line, Provider Vaccine Confidence, Equal Access to Vaccines and/or Zero Suicide initiatives. TCCN members are moving the needle on so many critical fronts in the communities they serve. The TDH Disparities Grant is the newest and largest grant designed and awarded to strengthen you, TCCN members. The funding covers two years, but the work will be ongoing because there is never an end to improving what we do and how we do it. The Disparities Grant focuses on strengthening the infrastructure and capabilities of members and of TCCN itself so we can serve you better as you evolve to serve your patients and communities. TCCN is committed to continue keeping the funds flowing to you and to helping you succeed in every TCCN sponsored initiative you embrace. TCCN exists to serve you as you serve those in need. Thank you for your tremendous work!
Warm regards,
Mary
This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting Church Health Center, the Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis, Healing Hands of Tennessee, and Interfaith Dental with Joe Agoada, Sostento CEO and leader of Project Finish Line. Meeting with members did my soul deep good – there is nothing more motivating than seeing the tremendous work you do firsthand. Empowered by my booster and flu shot, along with my trusty mask, I’m looking forward to visiting many more of you over the coming months. While your organizations have been “nose to the grindstone” (ouch!) providing critical services to vulnerable populations, TCCN has been working with partners to secure funding to support your work and vision for growth.
First, let me express our gratitude to all the members who are participating in Project Finish Line, Provider Vaccine Confidence, Equal Access to Vaccines and/or Zero Suicide initiatives. TCCN members are moving the needle on so many critical fronts in the communities they serve. The TDH Disparities Grant is the newest and largest grant designed and awarded to strengthen you, TCCN members. The funding covers two years, but the work will be ongoing because there is never an end to improving what we do and how we do it. The Disparities Grant focuses on strengthening the infrastructure and capabilities of members and of TCCN itself so we can serve you better as you evolve to serve your patients and communities. TCCN is committed to continue keeping the funds flowing to you and to helping you succeed in every TCCN sponsored initiative you embrace. TCCN exists to serve you as you serve those in need. Thank you for your tremendous work!
Warm regards,
Mary
Message from Mary, September 7th 2021
Dear TCCN members, partners, and supporters,
Great News: TCCN is growing and will be better able to support your life-giving work more fully moving forward. TCCN’s growth is made possible by the award of multiple grants through our partners at Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH partners have awarded TCCN grants to address Covid Vaccine Equitable Access and Health Disparities Elimination. Most recently, TCCN was notified that we were selected for the TDH Community Health Worker (CHW) Grant. Once we have the contract in hand, we will issue an application to members and up to eight members will be selected to receive this invaluable resource. We are currently engaged in five grants and if you want to learn more about them, scroll down to watch TCCN’s recent webinar where I describe them. As of today, only one of the grants, Vaccine Equity, has a signed contract in place but we are hopeful that the wheels are greased and soon you will be able to apply for these exciting opportunities.
I could not be more thrilled with the team we’ve assembled to support your work. Let me say right away, that each of them has incredible knowledge and experience. Beyond that, they are each warm, outgoing, and delightful to work with – but you’ll find out for yourselves soon! Please join me in welcoming: Annabelle Cruz-Orengo, Director of Operations; Ty Barrett, Director of Membership; Hardy Adham, Director of Grants; and Rene Dillard, Manager, Support Services.
Thank you for the incredible work you do in caring for Tennesseans in need – your work makes a world of difference to those you serve!
Gratefully,
Mary
Great News: TCCN is growing and will be better able to support your life-giving work more fully moving forward. TCCN’s growth is made possible by the award of multiple grants through our partners at Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH partners have awarded TCCN grants to address Covid Vaccine Equitable Access and Health Disparities Elimination. Most recently, TCCN was notified that we were selected for the TDH Community Health Worker (CHW) Grant. Once we have the contract in hand, we will issue an application to members and up to eight members will be selected to receive this invaluable resource. We are currently engaged in five grants and if you want to learn more about them, scroll down to watch TCCN’s recent webinar where I describe them. As of today, only one of the grants, Vaccine Equity, has a signed contract in place but we are hopeful that the wheels are greased and soon you will be able to apply for these exciting opportunities.
I could not be more thrilled with the team we’ve assembled to support your work. Let me say right away, that each of them has incredible knowledge and experience. Beyond that, they are each warm, outgoing, and delightful to work with – but you’ll find out for yourselves soon! Please join me in welcoming: Annabelle Cruz-Orengo, Director of Operations; Ty Barrett, Director of Membership; Hardy Adham, Director of Grants; and Rene Dillard, Manager, Support Services.
Thank you for the incredible work you do in caring for Tennesseans in need – your work makes a world of difference to those you serve!
Gratefully,
Mary
