What's Puzzling
Tennessee boasts some of the nation's brightest healthcare minds and most advanced medical facilities, yet our health outcomes remain concerning. Despite abundant resources, Tennessee faces significant healthcare challenges. We rank 44th in overall health outcomes, with chronic disease rates climbing steadily— 36% of adults are obese, 12% have diabetes, and ranking among the top 10 states of heart disease mortality. Alarmingly, Tennessee also ranks low in maternal and infant health, with the March of dimes gives TN a D- in preterm birth grade and the infant mortality rate in TN is 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. HealthEQ TN is dedicated to elevating healthcare quality and transforming Tennessee’s health landscape by uniting healthcare leaders, payers, providers, community organizations, and social services to address these complex challenges and create pathways toward substantial health improvements.
Our Mission
Our mission is to identify and understand the deep-rooted causes of Tennessee's health disparities. We'll examine critical challenges including healthcare workforce supply and distribution, and the stark divide between urban and rural healthcare access. Through collaborative sessions and expert panels, we'll explore potential policy approaches including Medicaid expansion, healthcare price transparency initiatives, and value-based care models that focus on elevating healthcare quality. Participants will form strategic partnerships and develop frameworks to advocate for and implement effective healthcare policies that serve all Tennesseans, enhancing both access and quality.
How and Where Do the Pieces Fit
Addressing Tennessee’s healthcare challenges requires a comprehensive understanding, much like solving a complex puzzle. Our varied and esteemed group of participants—from healthcare providers and payers to community advocates and policymakers—brings a range of valuable perspectives. By examining how workforce development intersects with rural healthcare access, the impact of social determinants on chronic disease rates, and how supportive policies can enhance community-based health initiatives, we'll begin mapping how these pieces connect. Through structured networking, facilitated discussions, and collaborative planning sessions, HealthEQ TN will foster the formation of partnerships and lay the groundwork for coordinated, long-term efforts to not only improve but elevate Tennessee's healthcare future.