Our Mission
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee.
Immunization Record Transfer
Are you new to Sumner County and need your child’s immunization information transferred for enrollment into daycare, preschool or school? Please click here, complete the demographic information requested, and attach your child’s immunization information. A separate demographic form will be required for each child you wish to have records transferred. Please allow three (3) working days for Health Department review.
Services
Breastfeeding Promotion – Education, encouragement and support are offered to pregnant and post-partum women by a full time lactation consultant.
CHANT – Our new program model that helps us to identify and address risk factors at the individual, family, and community–population level. A multi-discipline team will find (engage) specific individuals within communities, who are most likely to have poor health outcomes, address (navigate) their specific needs (medical and/or social) and measure those results (impact).
Child Health – Well baby/child exams, immunizations, and/or sick care are provided to children 20 years and younger.
Emergency Preparedness –Volunteers are recruited and trained to operate emergency clinics in order to administer medications or immunizations to large numbers of people very quickly.
Epidemiology – Communicable disease and food borne illnesses are investigated, specimens are collected, lab testing is conducted and preventive treatment is provided as appropriate.
Family Planning – Education, counseling, physical exam and birth control are provided.
Food and General Sanitation – Environmental specialists inspect existing food service establishments and review plans for prospective ones. Inspections are also done on hotels, motels, public swimming pools, bed and breakfasts, childcare facilities and school plants.
Health Education/Promotion – Health educators coordinate activities that focus attention on lifestyle choices that will result in positive differences for at-risk groups.
Immunizations – Routine immunizations are provided to infants, children and adults.
Men’s Health – Routine preventive care, sick care and physicals are provided to uninsured men, ages 21 years and older.
Paternity Acknowledgement – Information is provided to parents regarding paternity and paperwork is completed for those parents wishing to acknowledge paternity.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Confidential testing, treatment and contact follow-up is provided for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
Tuberculosis – Skin testing is provided to persons assessed to be at risk for tuberculosis. Medication is provided at no cost to suspected, active and latent cases. Contacts to suspected or known cases are notified, tested and treated as needed.
Vital Records – Tennesee Certified Birth Certificates and Tennesee Death Certificates can be issued at any of the three Sumner County Health Department Clincs. Certified Certificates are $15.00 each. You will be required to complete an application and provide a photo ID. Information for Gallatin, Hendersonville and Portland clinics can be found under contact information.
Women’s Health – Routine preventive care, sick care and physicals are provided to uninsured women 21 years and older. Preventive care includes providing or ordering pap smears and mammograms, some of which can be at no cost to uninsured, low income women ages 40 through 64 years. Low income, uninsured women suspected of or diagnosed with cervical or breast cancer can be assisted in obtaining TennCare quickly.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children) – Children under age five, pregnant and breastfeeding women who are at or below 185% of poverty and have a nutritional risk receive a limited health screening, nutritional counseling and food vouchers.
If you need any help with TennCare, call the Family Assistance Service Center for free. Their number is 1-866-311-4287. In Nashville, call 743-2000
FAQ
Who is eligible for WIC (Women, Infant, and Child)?
Children under age five, pregnant and breastfeeding women who are at 185% of poverty are eligible to receive WIC benefits. WIC visits consist of a limited health screening, nutritional counseling, and supplemental food vouchers.
I just found out that I am pregnant, when can I enroll for WIC?
Immediately, our hope is for an expectant mother to improve her nutritional status in order for healthy development of the baby.
Can I come to the health department for a pregnancy test?
Yes, anyone may come to the health department for a pregnancy test. Parental consent is not required.
A friend thinks he/she may have an STD; can they come to the health department?
Yes, anyone 11 years and older who thinks they may have been exposed to an STD, is having symptoms of an STD, or is having unprotected sex may come to the health department for confidential testing and treatment free of charge. Parental consent is NOT required.
What does it cost to see a doctor or nurse at the health department?
All Health Department services are based on a sliding fee scale. Your charges will depend on family size and income level. Payment arrangements can be made.
What immunizations are required for my child to attend school? To attend college in Tennessee?
Easy to read immunization schedules for all ages are available at: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program.html
Each college and university has established their set of immunization requirements. Contact the school or university to confirm what immunizations they require for enrollment.