CHET celebrates Health Center Week beginning at 10am today

NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)– The  Tennessee Department of Health  (TDH) joins community health centers, like Community Health of East Tennessee (CHET), across the state in celebrating  National Health Center Week, Aug. 2, to Aug. 8, 2026, recognizing the vital role community health centers play in providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare. 

“Since it’s National Health Center Week, we’re celebrating today, Tuesday, and Thursday. Mayor Jack Lynch will be at the clinic today around 10am. There’ll be vendors there, too,” said Penny Etter, Chief Operations Officer at CHET).

This year’s national theme,  Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most, celebrates how community health centers develop innovative solutions that improve access to care, strengthen communities, and improve health outcomes. 

“Tennessee’s community health centers, clinics, and local health departments are committed to improving the health of our communities,”  State Health Commissioner Dr. John Dunn  said. “Every day, dedicated healthcare professionals meet Tennesseans where they are, providing compassionate, high-quality care and services. TDH celebrates the critical work of Health Centers to build healthier communities, reduce health disparities, and ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity to achieve their best health.” 

Across Tennessee, community health centers and clinics work alongside local health  departments partnering to ensure access to comprehensive healthcare services. Together, they provide primary medical care, preventive services, immunizations, dental care, behavioral health services, women’s health services, chronic disease management, health screenings, and other essential healthcare resources that improve health and well-being. 

TDH encourages Tennesseans to recognize the dedicated healthcare professionals serving in community health centers, clinics, and local health departments during National Health Center Week and to learn more about the healthcare services available in their communities. 
See more information on the TDH website for the locations and services of Tennessee’s local health departments and the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/04/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLOTTE UNDERWOOD)