News
Knox County Senior Falls Prevention Seminar Offers Fun, Food and Information for Staying Active
In the next 17 seconds, an older adult will be treated in a hospital emergency department for injuries related to a fall. In the next 30 minutes, an older adult will die from injuries sustained in a fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 years and older in the United States, and can result in severe injuries such as hip fractures and head traumas. In Knox County, more than 1,800 people aged 65 and older sought hospital care for falls in 2009 (the most current data), and approximately 19 people aged 65 or older die each year from their injuries. That's why Knox County Health Department (KCHD) and the Knoxville-Knox County Senior Safety Task Force will be hosting the community-wide Senior Falls Prevention seminar on Tuesday, May 22, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at John T. O'Connor Senior Center, 611 Winona Street in Knoxville... more info
Click here for the Senior Falls Prevention Seminar Flyer
Knox County Teens Still Engaging in Risky Driving Practices
It is prom season in Knox County. This is the time of year when parents, teachers and other concerned community members most often talk to teens about the importance of safe driving. According to a new report by Knox County Health Department, Knox County teens (aged 15 -19 years) are still texting and driving and engaging in other risky driving behaviors resulting in between 600 and 700 emergency room admissions for motor vehicle crashes each year. Motor vehicle crashes also are the leading cause of deaths among teens in Knox County as they are in Tennessee and the United States...
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National Volunteer Week
This is National Volunteer Week. Would you like to give back to your community when they need it most? All types of experience and skill levels are needed. Please follow the link to register -- you can indicate what county or counties you would like to volunteer in...
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Applications Being Accepted For Marcie Singleton Award
Businesses Recognized for Efforts on Behalf of Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Babies
Does your worksite support breastfeeding mothers? How does your company celebrate an addition to an employee’s family? Do you have employees, customers or clients that could benefit from breastfeeding accommodations?
In honor of Mother’s Day (May 13) and Women’s Health Week (always the week following Mother’s Day), the East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition (ETBC) reminds worksites of the importance of accommodating working mothers...
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Win Cash and Prizes
"My Body, My Future" Video Contest for Teens under age 20
The Knox Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative (KAPPI) in cooperation with the Knox County Health Department is calling for entries for a Public Service Announcement (PSA) video competition.
Teens in Knox County who are under age 20 are invited to produce a 30 second video advertisement promoting responsible sexual decision making targeted at teens.
Each video entry will receive a $20 gift card. Winners receive up to $500 or an iPad, plus $250 to the sponsoring organization.
The University of Tennessee, College of Communication is partnering with KAPPI to provide technical assistance to competing teams.
Deadline for Initial Entry Forms: Friday, March 30
Deadline for Final Submissions: Friday, May 4
Click here
for rules and entry forms.
Toward Healthier Living
Strategies to Make Active Living and Healthy Eating a Part of Life in Knoxville and Knox County
A Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission study, funded in part by:
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundations’ Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities initiative through Knox County Health Department.
Neighborhood Walking Programs Set the Pace For Health in 2012
Walking groups are a great way to meet new people, stay motivated and improve your overall health, but what are the steps to starting one in your neighborhood? KCHD is ready to help you get moving with more fun, incentives and prizes!
Click here
for more information.
KCHD takes diabetes management sessions to the community
Being diagnosed with diabetes is a life-changing event. Managing the disease can be time consuming and overwhelming. That's why Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is now offering to bring diabetes management classes to your group, church, business or organization. KCHD's trained staff of dietitians use an interactive diabetes management tool involving a method called Diabetes Conversation Maps to help patients cope and learn from each other. Designed for small groups of 8-15 participants, the sessions are offered at no charge....
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NEW OPERATING HOURS
Effective Jan. 1, 2012
All Knox County Health Department locations will open at
12:30 p.m.
on the first Wednesday of EACH month.
These Wednesday mornings will be used for KCHD employee training and development.
No other changes in service are planned.
First Wednesdays for 2012
|
Jan. 4
Feb. 1
March 7
April 4
May 2
June 6
|
July 4 (holiday, closed all day)
Aug. 1
Sept. 5
Oct. 3
Nov. 7
Dec. 5
|
2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
The 2011 Knox County Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was made possible through a joint
effort between the Knox County Health Department, Knox County Schools and the Metropolitan
Drug Commission. It was also made possible through the support of Knox County Government,
including the Mayor, County Commission, and the Knox County Board of Health. We are
grateful for the participation of Knox County Schools high school students, teachers, and
principals for their contribution to this report.
Choose My Plate
Say goodbye to the Food Pyramid and say hello to MyPlate, a new and easy way to eat healthy every day....
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Together! Healthy Knox Partnership Unveils Most Pressing Health Issues
Following more than a year of strategic data collection and analysis, the Together! Healthy Knox Partnership (T!HK) held a special meeting of community leaders this morning to announce what the group has identified as Knox County’s most pressing health issues. More than 100 people gathered at the East Tennessee History Center to learn how their respective organizations can take action to improve health in Knox County.
“Health is much more than the absence of illness,” said Dr. Warren Sayre, T!HK chair and administrator at Summit Medical Group. “To affect health broadly, broad participation is required. The Together! Healthy Knox initiative brings together representatives from diverse sectors with a stake in health, whether physical, mental, social or spiritual, and that is the key to successful long-term health improvement,”
more >>
Knox County Health Data
The most current information on health issues facing Knox County residents
Department Information
Department Head:
Martha Buchanan, MD
Mission
In keeping with its vision of “Every Person a Healthy Person,”
The Knox County Health Department’s mission is
“To encourage, promote and assure the development of an active, healthy community through innovative public health practices.”
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