The Office of Minority Health

Quarter 2 Newsletter - July 2026

To empower communities to support optimal health for all and to eliminate disparities for racial, ethnic and under-served populations. 

To serve as a statewide leader, recognizing and addressing health disparities and health equity, through meaningful collaboration and engagement. 

The Office of Minority Health (OMH) strives to promote health policies, programs, and services designed to improve health and quality of life by preventing and controlling the disproportionate burden of disease, injury, and disability among disparate populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities. OMH strategic priorities are Health Excellence Infrastructure, Community Partnerships, Data-Informed Disparities Reduction, Preventive and Chronic Disease Interventions, and Access to Care and Resources Navigation.

OMH recognizes that disparate populations often experience poor health due to health inequities, driven by Social Drivers of Health (SDOH), limited prevention measures, and inadequate access to health care. We seek to collaborate with community-based, faith-based, academic, and other entities to address the health issues affecting disparate populations in Tennessee. These efforts include community outreach, education, seminars, competitive funding opportunities, and health promotion campaigns.

The 2026 Tennessee Breastfeeding Symposium (TBS) was a hybrid event, held in Chattanooga, TN, focused on creating ecosystems that support breastfeeding families to thrive. The symposium was geared toward healthcare professionals, lactation consultants, nurses, and community advocates, offering education on breastfeeding support, equity, and evidence-based practices.  

Annually, the symposium offers:

For more information about the Tennessee Breastfeeding Symposium contact the Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition at info@tnbreastfeeds.org

The Division of Health Disparities Elimination (DHDE) would like to congratulate intern, Anaya Dishmon, on graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Medicine, Health, and Society from Vanderbilt University! Anaya served as the DHDE intern for both the Fall ’25 and Spring ’26 semesters, leading communication efforts such as one-pagers that showcased programs and resources of each office, as well as various other projects contributing toward DHDE’s effort to broaden reach, communication, and impact across the state. After graduation, Anaya will join Teach for America and apply her public health communication skills to her new role!

Program Contact: Melody Princes-Kelley (Dr. PK), Ph.D., MPH, MSA

Project Manager

Melody.Princes-Kelley@tn.gov

A training program conducted through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that enables individuals to identify and appropriately respond to warning signs for mental health challenges or crises and substance use concerns.

Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Program Contact: Jamila Batts, BSN MPH, MSA

 Program Manager

Jamila.Batts@tn.gov

The PCI Team strengthens the public health workforce by coaching, facilitating, and delivering targeted training that builds confidence and leadership in health excellence. All offerings are grounded in the CDC’s Strategies to Repair Equity and Transform Community Health (STRETCH) Framework. 

On April 15, 2026, the PCI Team provided a two-hour career readiness workshop at Meharry Medical College for 30 of its students and recent graduates. Dr. Natalie Boddie covered resumes, CVs, and cover letters, while Melissa Tuff trained students on interviewing, professionalism, and first impressions.  

Participant Feedback:

"I want to thank you and your team for hosting the Career Readiness Workshop for our master's-level students. The workshop was incredibly beneficial and provided valuable insights that will help prepare our students as they transition into the workforce.

The strategies, guidance, and practical advice shared throughout the session were both engaging and impactful. Our students gained knowledge and tools that will serve them well as they begin their professional careers.

We deeply value our partnership with TDH and look forward to continuing our collaboration in support of student success. We cannot thank you enough for taking the time to invest in our students and for creating such an enriching and meaningful experience.

Thank you again for your dedication, expertise, and commitment to developing the next generation of public health professionals."

On April 29, 2026, in Franklin, Tennessee, the PCI Team led a break-out workshop at the 2026 Health Promotions Conference. Melissa Tuff and Pamela Burgess presented 'Health Excellence Starts with Us,' providing people-centered strategies for public health professionals. 

On May 27, 2026, DHDE held a statewide Learning Collaborative at Paris Landing Park with 40 staff members from all over Tennessee. The PCI team kicked off the event on May 27, 2026, leading a 3.5-hour workshop on three Habits of Highly Effective People, tailored to the Department of Health work.

Program Contact: Cosmelitia Sain

Program Manager

Cosmelitia.Sain@tn.gov

On May 4, 2026, DHDE Fellow, KeiAndra Harper, represented the division at the bimonthly ELT meeting by presenting office impact reports for the Office of Minority Health and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement. KeiAndra highlighted the breadth of work and impact facilitated across the state through each office, which gave ELT members an opportunity to not only learn of the work conducted by DHDE but also the value of the division in relation to reducing health disparities for Tennesseans. KeiAndra and office leadership received accolades for the presentation and efficiency of the impact reports during this meeting.

We at DHDE would like to thank KeiAndra for all her hard work and dedication to her role, as well as offer congratulations on her future assignment with Customer Focused Government!

On May 2, 2026, the East Park Lawn at the East Park Community Center in Nashville was filled with energy, laughter, and colorful kites during the 17th Annual Kids and Kites Day. The free community event brought together approximately 395 community members and 21 health and wellness vendors to raise awareness about childhood obesity, diabetes, and the importance of healthy movement and active living.

Families enjoyed a full day of activities designed to promote wellness through fun and engagement. Highlights included a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, the annual kite-flying race, a treasure hunt, games and prizes, face painting, and performances by local dance groups and step teams. Children and families also received free kites, hula hoops, and other activity items to encourage continued outdoor play and physical activity. Additional community services, such as free haircuts for kids and free bike repair, were also available throughout the event.

Monique Anthony of the Office of Minority Health and Kimberly Truss of the TDH Chronic Disease Section within the Division of Family Health and Wellness attended the event to share valuable health resources and information. Kids and Kites Day once again served as a meaningful opportunity to bring the community together in support of healthier lifestyles for children and families across Nashville. 

Members from DHDE attended the grand opening ceremony of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee Resource Center in the town square of Huntingdon, Tennessee, on May 12, 2026. The new facility will serve as a resource for the community by providing social and telehealth services through Community Health Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Overall, the purpose of the RHAT Resource Center is to improve the health and well-being of rural Tennesseans by strengthening and supporting the Rural Health Clinics that serve them. 

July 1st- 31st: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

 

July is recognized as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (BIPOC Mental Health Month), highlighting the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities in the U.S. Established in 2008 to honor author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, the observance focuses on reducing stigma, improving access to care, and addressing disparities.

Key Aspects of the 2026 Observance

Purpose: The observance aims to confront ongoing disparities in mental health care, particularly the reduced access and increased barriers faced by BIPOC communities.

Origin: It was established in honor of author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, whose work centered on normalizing mental health conversations within Black and other minority communities.

Action and Advocacy: Organizations like NAMI Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month | NAMI, and MHA Mental Health Month 2026 | Mental Health America offer resources, events, webinars, educational resources, and community engagement tools to broaden awareness.

Focus Areas: Core priorities include reducing stigma, promoting trauma‑informed care, and addressing inequities influenced by historical and systemic injustices.

August 1st-31st: National Immunization Awareness Month

 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance highlighting the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. The campaign encourages individuals to stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including those for children, teenagers, and adults, to prevent serious diseases and protect community health.

Key Aspects of National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)

Purpose: To highlight the value of immunization across the lifespan and encourage vaccination against infectious diseases.

Target Audience: The initiative focuses on the need for vaccines for everyone, from infants to older adults.

Vaccines Matter: Vaccination helps protect against diseases such as measles, whooping cough, shingles, and certain cancers.

Key Themes: Weekly themes often focus on specific groups, such as pregnant women, children (back-to-school), and older adults.

September 1st-30th: National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated to increase understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD)—an inherited blood disorder affecting over 100,000 Americans—and to promote research for better treatments and cures.

Sickle Cell Walk/Run 5K

Sickle Cell Warrior Health Fair 

Brittany Cox, PhD | Assistant Commissioner, Division of Health Disparities Elimination

Tennessee Department of Health

Brittany.Cox@tn.gov

 

Michél Perry, DrPH(c), MPH | Director of Office of Minority Health

Division of Health Disparities Elimination
Tennessee Department of Health

Michel.L.Perry@tn.gov

 

Monique Anthony, MPH, CHES | Deputy Director of Office of Minority Health

Division of Health Disparities Elimination

Tennessee Department of Health

Monique.Anthony@tn.gov

        

Want to share news about your organization in our next newsletter? Contact the Office of Minority Health at Minority.Health@tn.gov.

Tennessee Department of Health | Division of Health Disparities | Office of Minority Health

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN 37243

Minority.Health@tn.gov