Tennessee Matters

The Tennessee Dept. of Human Services recently launched the Fatherhood Grant Program , investing approximately $10 million to support organizations serving fathers. Through this initiative, they aim to enhance fatherhood-related programs, including mentorship, education, co-parenting support, skill-building workshops, employment services, and financial literacy. By promoting active father involvem...

The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) serves to safeguard individuals from discrimination through education and enforcement. As an independent state agency, it enforces anti-discrimination laws in housing, employment, and public accommodation based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and age. Executive Director Muriel Nolan joined John Clark t...

The Tennessee Charitable Care Network (TCCN) is dedicated to a mission of support, education, and representation for non-profit organizations that provide essential healthcare services. These organizations are committed to delivering free or reduced-cost medical, dental, and mental health services to low-income, uninsured, and underserved populations. By providing this support, TCCN ensures that t...

Veterans encounter significant challenges when transitioning back to civilian life, and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services is committed to easing this transition for the approximately 450,000 veterans living in Tennessee. Through passionate advocacy and informative outreach, the department connects veterans with the benefits they’ve earned and to critical resources that many need. Major...

The Secretary of State’s office in Tennessee plays a pivotal role in the state’s governance and administration including maintaining a register of the governor’s official acts and proceedings, ensuring the accuracy and security of public records, and administering the state’s election laws. The office is also tasked with the chartering of corporations, registration of trademarks and service marks,...

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is entrusted with a broad spectrum of responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation and safety of the state’s transportation network. It oversees the planning, construction, and maintenance of over 14,000 miles of state-owned highways and interstates. Additionally, TDOT administers funding and offers technical assistance for state and federal aid...

Did you know every organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of 75 more people through tissue donation?  That's the message from Tennessee Donor Services whose mission is to save and improve lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.  2023 was a record-breaking year in the state for organ and tissue donations in Tennessee but the need remains great. Recently John Clark spoke...

The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of the "silent epidemic" of youth suicide. Recent data shows Tennessee ranks among the top for child suicide rates nationwide and the issue was addressed in the State of the Child report from the TN Commission on Children & Youth. The Jason Foundation has programs and events to equip educators, young people, parents, and youth workers with th...

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and prosperity of the citizens of the state. Dr. Ralph Alvarado recently celebrated his first full year as commissioner of the health department and presides over challenging times including the continuing presence of Covid 19 among many other public health concerns. Dr. Alvarado spoke with John Clark about impo...

The TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) is the state agency responsible for supporting Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is done in several ways, including Medicaid waiver Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), state-operated ICF/IIDs, and the Family Support Program. DIDD administers services directly or through contracts with com...

Do you ever wonder where all of our tax money goes in Tennessee? It goes to Education, Health & Social Services, Public Safety, Transportation and back into local communities for important public services. The Tennessee Department of Revenue serves as the state’s primary tax collection agency, administering more than 25 different taxes and fees. In addition to tax collection and enforcement, t...

The Tennessee Board of Regents manages the state university and community college system of Tennessee as well as the state's vocational technical schools. With 13 community colleges and 20 TCATs (Tenn College of Applied Technology) offering more than 400 programs of study, the goal is to create opportunities for all Tennesseans to attend college, regardless of age or income. Recently John Clark sp...

The mission of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state. To promote the TWRA’s mission along with outdoor events & activities from hunting, fishing, boating, and just about anything outdoors, the agency produces a popular podcast called Tennessee WildCast. The podcast is hosted by the longtime voice of the...

The TN Assoc. of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services is a statewide association of alcohol and drug abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery service professionals and others who are interested in addiction issues. TAADAS keeps alcoholism, drug abuse, and other addiction issues including gambling in the forefront when public policy decisions are made and through the collective voice of it...

The Tennessee Department of Human Services is thought of as a safety net by facilitating nutrition programs, childcare services, employment assistance, vocational training, and protective services for Tennesseans and families in need. It's the state’s second-largest agency with an operating budget of more than $3 billion and nearly 4,000 employees working in offices in all 95 counties and has been...

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s mission is to increase the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary school education and the commission actively promotes the state’s programs to help make that happen including Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. Dr. Robert Smith has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the commission and recently he spoke with Tennessee Matters host J...

If you have a digging project in your yard, it’s always best to call 811 first. Tennessee 811 provides communication, education, and notification services to advocate for the prevention of damage to underground utilities. Breaking utility lines is dangerous and can be deadly, and one free call to 811 alerts the utilities to mark their underground lines near your dig site. Craig Ingram is Public Aw...

The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability was created to provide leadership relating to the challenges of aging on behalf of older persons in our state. The commission’s mission is to bring together and leverage programs, resources, and organizations to protect and ensure the quality of life and independence of older Tennesseans and adults with disabilities. Recently Tennessee Matters host...

The largest employer in Tennessee is the state government with more than 43,000 employees and about 1,300 different job classifications. To recruit and retain the best and the brightest workforce possible, the state created the Learning & Leadership Development division to build high impact training programs for its employees including leadership development. Dr. Rena Hall is Human Resources P...

The Tennessee Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security is always on alert, and for a good reason. The department has the primary responsibility and authority for directing statewide activities to prevent terrorism in Tennessee. The department is made up of Drivers Services, The TN Highway Patrol, The TN Highway Safety Office, as well as Homeland Security. Tennessee Matters host John Clark recently ta...

Founded in 1854, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is the oldest state agency in Tennessee. In its history, there have been few years as challenging for Tennessee farmers as 2022. Dr. Charlie Hatcher was sworn in as Tennessee's 38th Commissioner of Agriculture in January 2019 after serving as the State Veterinarian for a decade. Dr. Hatcher is a fifth generation Tennessee farmer and recently...

Major General Jeff Holmes, Commissioner, TN Dept of the Military, discuses the Tennessee National Guard with host John Clark in this Tennessee Matters encore podcast. The Guard serves both community and country and their versatility enables them to respond to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Their goal is to always respond with...

Being aware of your blood pressure can be very valuable to your health. May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, and there is no better time to learn about the importance of monitoring your blood pressure. Half of all Americans have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It develops when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Let's learn more from Dr. Larry...

The CDC says child abuse and neglect are serious public health problems with about one in seven children experiencing child abuse and neglect in the last year. In Tennessee, the Carl Perkins Center serves 20 counties by offering a variety of services aimed at preventing child abuse as well as helping children and families through it when it happens. Let's learn more from the Event and Fundraising...

The State of Tennessee promotes a pro-business environment and the work has paid off with big businesses expanding to the Volunteer State. In particular Tennessee has become a destination for electric vehicle production including a massive project planned by FORD in West Tennessee. The person in charge of cultivating business expansion in Tennessee, including for start ups and small businesses, is...