Knox County Tennessee

Public health staff going door to door for training exercise

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The Knox County Health Department (KCHD), in conjunction with the East Tennessee Regional Health Office of the Tennessee Department of Health, will conduct door-to-door interviews as part of a training exercise on Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14. Staff members from both health departments will interview select residents in Knox, Blount and Sevier Counties using a rapid assessment tool called CASPER, which stands for Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response.

“In an emergency, the CASPER methodology allows officials to rapidly assess the status of a community by visiting pre-selected census blocks and surveying residents,” said KCHD Director Dr. Martha Buchanan. “Answers to questions such as the extent of injuries and illness, whether residents have adequate supplies of water and food, and if utilities are operating help improve an emergency response.”

Data collected from this month’s exercise will help officials gain knowledge about residents’ preparedness for emergencies. Residents will be asked about family emergency plans, including any stockpiles they have prepared and where they might evacuate in the event of a disaster. Teams of two people will conduct the interviews between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on April 13 and 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on April 14. Staff will be clearly identified with yellow vests and name badges. They will not enter homes nor will they ask for personal information. Residents with questions are encouraged to call 865-215-5093 in Knox County and 865-549-5271 in Blount and Sevier Counties.

After 9/11, health departments across the U.S. took on the role of emergency planning to protect public health in the event of a large-scale medical disaster. Health departments’ emergency preparedness programs encourage and support readiness planning efforts among all community members. In addition to coordinating exercises, the programs foster relationships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, hospitals and others to prepare for and respond to potential hazards.

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Knox County Tennessee - Health Department

Main Clinic
140 Dameron Ave,
Knoxville, TN 37917
865-215-5000

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
*Some clinics have extended hours. Please check the clinic's webpage for their respective hours.

Please Note:

On the first Wednesday of every month, all KCHD offices and clinics are closed in the morning for staff in-service. On these days, the main location (140 Dameron Ave.) will open at 11 a.m. and the West Clinic (1028 Old Cedar Bluff) will open at 11:30 a.m.
Clinics will also open at 10 a.m. (Main location), and 10:30 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays:
  • October 18, 2023
  • January 17, 2024
  • April 17,2024
  • July 17, 2024

*All other offices will open at 8 a.m.

Infant and childhood immunizations as well as adult vaccines by appointment ONLY. Please call 865-215-5950.

1028 Old Cedar Bluff
Knoxville, TN 37923
865-215-5950

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Clinics will also open at 10 a.m. (Main location), and 10:30 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays:
  • January 18
  • April 19
  • July 19
  • September 20

Map Of All Clinics
Department Email