Tennessee Health Care Campaign

Project Director: Lori Smith, Tennessee Health Care Campaign

Consumer Voices for Coverage Phase II is an extension of the Consumer Voices for Coverage national program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This new program provides resources to support local and state-based organizations that are well positioned to educate policy-makers and the public about the importance of reforming our health care system. This project works to build a statewide coalition of groups and individuals engaged in public education and social research activities to support and win comprehensive national health care reform; engage and connect the Tennessee coalition with national groups; engage and educate the public, media, and policy makers about the need and many options for national health care reform. The project aims to strengthen the state advocacy network for health care reform by: 1) reaffirming existing relationships with health care and social justice advocacy organizations; 2) building new relationships with key constituencies, most prominently small businesses; and 3) addressing the need reform the health care industry for the purpose of advancing national health care reform.

As part of the CVC Phase II project, the Tennessee Health Care Campaign recently started a blog dedicated to national health reform issues. In addition, THCC contracted with Vanderbilt University’s Center for Community Studies to conduct a random, statewide survey of 3,000 small business owners. The resulting report received media attention around the state.

For more information on Community Catalyst projects in Tennessee, click here.