DeKalb Coalition Secures Grant To Combat Youth Vaping
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition launching a new initiative to reduce vaping rates among local youth thanks to a multi-year grant from the Tennessee Department of Health. Coalition Director Jennifer Matthews said the organization was one of only ten counties selected to receive the Nicotine-Free Future grant following a competitive application process. Matthews said the funding […]
Health Officials Warn About Rise Of Cychlorphine Opioid
Health officials say a newly identified opioid known as cychlorphine is emerging as a growing concern across Tennessee, prompting renewed warnings about overdose risks and the importance of public awareness. Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Justin Cantrell said cychlorphine is part of a growing class of synthetic opioids that are increasingly unpredictable. Cantrell said the new […]
Whooping Cough Cases Up, Vaccination Hesitancy A Factor
Some 339 cases of Whooping Cough have been reported in Tennessee through the first six months of this year, 25 in the Upper Cumberland. Dr. Don Grisham is the Tennessee Department of Health’s Regional Medical Director for the Upper Cumberland. Grisham said whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory infection most common in infants. Grisham said […]
Cookeville Regional Gets $9.4 Million Grant
Cookeville Regional Medical Center presented a $9.4 million Health Resiliency Grant from the Tennessee Department of Health to help fund its 4 West and 5 West renovation project. Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado said this is one of the larger investments the department has made this year. He said he has been focused […]
COVID On The Rise In UC, Peak Flu Season Will Hit At End Of Month
COVID cases are on the rise across the Upper Cumberland and the flu is starting its annual increase. Donald Grisham is the Upper Cumberland Regional Director for the Tennessee Department of Health. He said it is hard to tell if RSV, COVID or the flu is hitting the Upper Cumberland hardest right now. “If you’re […]
Wash Hands, Avoid Sneezing Into Your Hands To Stop Virus Spread
Do not underestimate the value of washing your hands to stop the spread of illness as you visit with family over the next several days. The Tennessee Department of Health’s Bill Christian said there are more viruses spreading than usual as people begin to travel and gather in large groups. Christian said a flu shot […]
Livingston PD Getting Patrol Vehicles, Paving And OT Pay Through Grant
Livingston has been awarded a $329,000 state grant that will bring several additions to the police department. UCDD Deputy Director Tommy Lee said the money will be used for eight used patrol vehicles, paving of the parking lot and overtime pay for officers. “In late December, the Tennessee Department of Health announced the confinement facilities […]
Putnam Seeing Vaccinations Increase As Variant Spreads
Putnam County has seen an increase in vaccinations over the past three weeks, after seeing rates drop in June. As of last week 38 percent of residents are fully vaccinated, 42 percent have at least one dose. Upper Cumberland Regional Medical Director for The Tennessee Department of Health Don Grisham said this is encouraging as […]
Counties Given Ability To Move Through Vaccine Phases
The Tennessee Department of Health announced Friday that each county will be able to move through vaccine eligibility phases as they choose. The vaccine had been available statewide to people age 65 and older and those in Phase 1c. “As Tennessee continues working to protect those most at risk of serious illness and death from […]
Overton Health and Rehab Must Meet Federal Guidelines To Open
The Tennessee Department of Health announced that visitation is open for nursing homes. However, Overton County Health and Rehab Public Information Officer Scott Stevens said that announcement is misleading. Stevens said nursing facilities follow CMS and CDC guidelines, not Tennessee’s guidelines. “Number one is, the county positivity rate in whatever county you’re in has to […]
