Hamilton County Health Department

10/20/2025

This past weekend, on October 18th, the Hamilton County Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program hosted its first annual Healing Through Art event. With a total of 14 vendors and 17 artists, the event was a resounding success! Artists showcased their work and shared their passion with fellow artists and community members. By coming together as a community, the Healing Through Art event fostered resilience, highlighted the power of creative expression, and connected individuals with the resources they need to thrive. We sincerely thank all the artists and partners for their participation in this year’s event. We are all excited to plan next year's event and hope to feature even more artists sharing their work.

10/20/2025

REMINDER: Free Flu Shots happening Tuesday, October 21st at La Paz Chattanooga. No appointment or insurance needed! More details below:

Flu season is here, and the Hamilton County Health Department is ready to help you combat it-FREE of charge! Mark your calendar for October 21st, 2025, at La Paz Chattanooga (809 S Willow St) from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The annual Fight Flu TN event will provide free flu shots to anyone aged 6 months and older. Remember, the flu shots are available for FREE for one day only at the La Paz Chattanooga location. Protect yourself, your family, and your community this flu season. No appointment or insurance is needed. To learn more, visit Health.HamiltonTN.org.

10/17/2025

It is Dental Hygiene Month!
Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the best ways to keep your whole body healthy. Watch this quick video with tips from Dr. Harris for simple ways to keep your smile and body happy!
• Brush your gums when brushing your teeth – it helps keep them healthy & strong.
• Remember, unhealthy gums can lead to tooth loss or decay.
• Don’t forget to clean your tongue to help keep your breath fresh & your mouth feeling great.
The Health Department’s Dental Clinic is here to help children and adults maintain healthy smiles. We are here to provide preventive and restorative care for children ages 3-20 and emergency care for adults. Questions? Call us at 423-209-8100 or visit health.hamiltontn.org for more information.

10/16/2025

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
October 16th, 2025

Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program Presents “Healing Through Art” Event, Highlighting the Role of Art in Recovery and Resilience.

HAMILTON COUNTY, TN – The Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program under the Health & Social Services Division is proud to host the first Annual Healing Through Art event on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Family Justice Center. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public. By gathering as a community, Healing Through Art aims to promote resilience, highlight the power of creative expression, and connect individuals with the resources they need to thrive. Art therapy sessions can provide a safe environment for authentic expression, offering an opportunity to ‘verbalise’ inner emotions without needing to talk, help contain overwhelming emotions, and facilitate reconciliation of feelings.

Attendees can expect:
• Keynote speakers on the importance of art in healing
• Art exhibits (visual and spoken) featuring local and survivor artists
• Resource tables with community services and support programs
• Opportunities to connect with vendors and partners

Event Details:
• Date: October 18, 2025
• Time: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Doors open at 11:45 am)
• Location: Family Justice Center, 5705 Uptain Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411
• Cost: Free and open to the public

“Art can be an often-forgotten but powerful part of a therapeutic journey. This community event will showcase the role of art therapy in supporting healing after trauma while raising awareness about the impacts of domestic violence. The artwork of survivors will be on display, offering Hamilton County residents the opportunity to reflect, connect, and access valuable resources for healing,” says Ivie Teems, Public Health Educator for the Violence Prevention Program at the Hamilton County Health Department.

The Health Department would like to thank St. Andrews and Arts Build for playing a vital role in organizing the event, as well as the numerous local artists who have signed on to participate. The Aims Center has also provided significant support by connecting artists with the opportunity to share their work. For more information or questions, please contact Ivie at IvieT@HamiltonTN.gov.

Additional resources
• General Questions? Call the Health Department at 423-209-8000.
• For Health Department information, visit: Health.HamiltonTN.gov
• To read this information in Spanish, visit the Health Department’s Spanish page at https://www.facebook.com/SaludHamiltonTN

10/16/2025

Let’s Fight Flu, Hamilton County!
The Health Department is participating in the statewide 2025 Fight Flu initiative by offering FREE flu shots on Tuesday, October 21st. Join us at La Paz Chattanooga from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM for free flu shots available to anyone aged 6 months and older. No appointment or insurance is required!
Learn More: https://health.hamiltontn.org/en-us/services/adultimmunizations/fluseason.aspx

10/16/2025

10/15/2025

Remember cassette players? Then it's time for your mammogram! Please don't wait. The Hamilton County Health Department and the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program are here for you. 1 in 8 women in Tennessee will be diagnosed with breast cancer – early detection saves lives. Find out more: Health.HamiltonTN.org or 423-209-8050.

10/14/2025

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
October 14th, 2025

The Health Department to Participate in the Annual Statewide “Fight Flu TN” Initiative on Tuesday, October 21st.

HAMILTON COUNTY, TN –The Health Department under the Health & Social Services Division will participate in the annual statewide “Fight Flu TN” initiative by offering free flu shots to anyone six months and older on Tuesday, October 21st, at La Paz Chattanooga.

Details:
• ONLY FREE THIS DAY and at the La Paz Chattanooga location – while supplies last.
• No appointment is needed.
• No insurance is required.
• Adults 18+ and children ages six months and older may participate.
• This location is a park and walk-up site.
• Bilingual staff will be on-site.

Location – Adults and Children:
• La Paz Chattanooga:
o 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
o 809 S Willow St, Chattanooga, TN 37404

*If a minor is being vaccinated, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the appointment and bring a current, valid photo ID. If you are a legal guardian, please bring proof of guardianship. *

“The flu season is here, and it’s more important than ever to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” says Hamilton County Health Department Officer Dr. Stephen C. Miller. “Taking everyday preventive actions such as washing our hands often, staying home when we’re sick, avoiding touching our face, and getting vaccinated can make all the difference in staying healthy this winter. We’re incredibly grateful to La Paz for opening their doors and showing such strong support for the health of our community.”

Per the CDC, those at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu include children under five years, adults 65 years and over, pregnant women, and those with preexisting medical conditions or a compromised immune system.
In addition to the “Fight Flu TN” event, flu shots are widely available at primary care offices, local pharmacies, and with participating community partners. To find a flu shot near you, please visit https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

Additional resources
• Questions? Call the Health Department at 423-209-8000.
• For Health Department information, visit: Health.HamiltonTN.gov
• To read this information in Spanish, visit the Health Department’s Spanish page at https://www.facebook.com/SaludHamiltonTN

10/14/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that our Mobile Unit is showcased in the latest edition of HealthScope Magazine! Discover more about its impact by reading our article below.

10/13/2025

Happy National Case Management Week!

This week, we proudly recognize the dedicated caseworkers at the Hamilton County Health Department’s Homeless Healthcare Center.

Your compassion, resilience, and tireless commitment make a significant difference in the lives of our unhoused neighbors. By connecting individuals with critical healthcare, social services, and resources, and by offering hope and dignity every single day, you truly embody the spirit of service.

Thank you for the passion you bring to this essential work and for your unwavering dedication to helping every person find a path to better health and stability.

10/09/2025

Aging doesn't have to be intimidating! Regardless of our age, we can always discover ways to stay active and feel our best by doing these six simple things:
1. Move Every Day Your Way!
Physical activity doesn’t have to mean the gym. Take a walk, stretch during commercials, dance to your favorite music, or join a group class. The goal is to keep your body moving in ways that feel good!
2. Stay Socially Connected
Engaging with friends, family, or community groups can boost mood, reduce stress, and keep your mind sharp. Try attending a local event, volunteering, or calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
3. Nourish Your Body
Choose balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Staying hydrated and limiting added sugars and salt can also help you feel your best.
4. Challenge Your Mind
Keep your brain active by learning something new! Try puzzles, reading, taking a class, or exploring a new hobby. Mental stimulation supports memory and overall cognitive health.
5. Prioritize Rest and Self-Care
Quality sleep and relaxation are key to aging well. Create a calming bedtime routine, practice mindfulness, and take time each day to unwind.
6. Keep Up with Checkups
Regular health screenings and preventive care are crucial for maintaining good health and staying active. Discuss with your healthcare provider which exams or vaccines are right for you.
For more healthy aging tips, visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070

10/08/2025

Taking time to prepare today can make all the difference tomorrow. Start your emergency plan now and give yourself peace of mind when it matters most.