Health Department

Mission Statement

To protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee.

Health Department Services A-Z

  1. Services A-L
  2. Services M - Z

Child Health

Healthy children are a major priority of the health department. Well-child checkups include physical exams, screening tests and immunizations. Regular screenings assure normal development and detect and treat many health conditions for persons from birth to 21 years of age. Referrals for medical and dental care are made when needed. Children receiving TennCare benefits get these preventive services on a specific schedule based on the child’s age.

Children’s Special Services (CSS)

The CSS Program assists with medical treatment for children to age 21, when they have special medical needs and the family is financially unable to provide for necessary care. Care coordination is provided to help the family get the care they need from other specialists and programs. The CSS program also includes speech and hearing services.

Dental Services

Dental hygienists, assistants and dentists work with schools to provide dental exams, dental sealants and education for children about caring for their teeth. The Maury County, Lewis County and the Lincoln County Health Departments offer dental treatment for children who have TennCare or low family incomes and no dental insurance. Children in need of dental care may be referred to these clinics from any health department in the region. Uninsured pregnant women may also be referred to the Lincoln County Health Department for dental care. Fees are based on family size and income.

Emergency Preparedness

The health department staff works with community groups, agencies, hospitals and local governments to plan for and assure readiness to respond to health related threats and emergencies.

Family Planning

Clients receive a complete physical exam, appropriate lab tests, cancer screening (Pap test), information about birth control and an appropriate contraceptive method, and counseling on a broad range of topics. Infections and other reproductive health problems are treated or referred to other medical providers.

General Environmental Health

Environmental health specialists are responsible for inspecting food service establishments, hotels, motels, public swimming pools, bed and breakfast establishments, child care facilities, tattoo parlors, organized camps and school plants. They train the owners and workers to comply with state laws concerning health and safety. Staff also plan and promote rabies vaccination clinics and investigate reports of animal bites.

Health Promotion

Community Programs Coordinators work with local health councils, organizations, schools, hospitals, law enforcement agencies and businesses to promote healthy behaviors.

HUGS (Help Us Grow Successfully)

Home visits are made by public health social workers or nurses to families whose children may be at risk for medical or developmental problems. Those eligible include pregnant women, new moms up to two years after pregnancy ends, and children to age 5. Counseling and education are designed to decrease infant disease and death, increase parenting skills, improve nutritional status and provide guidance as needed.

Immunizations (Shots & Vaccines)

Immunizations against polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus (lockjaw), measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), varicella (chicken pox), hemophilus (meningitis), and hepatitis B are provided for children from birth to 18 years old. Flu vaccine, hepatitis A, HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine and tetanus-diphtheria boosters are also available to protect against these diseases.

Infectious Disease Control

All health departments provide necessary and timely information to patients, their families, and health care providers about serious communicable diseases. The health department collects and provides information on diseases in the community; investigates and monitors outbreaks; and keeps the community safe through investigation, early detection and early intervention for diseases which can harm the public.