Trinity Health Foundation grant a catalyst for new project

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – As Veterans Day approaches, East Tennessee-based InterFaith Health Center is working to ensure our nation’s heroes have access to quality, comprehensive healthcare, thanks to a grant from Trinity Health Foundation. InterFaith received a nearly $150,000 grant to implement the Saluting Service – Bridging Gaps in Veteran Healthcare Access project.  

“America’s service members put their lives on the line to protect our country and our freedoms, but not all of our nation’s veterans have adequate healthcare access when their service is completed,” said InterFaith Health Center Executive Director Melissa Knight. “In fact, more than half of Tennessee’s veterans do not have government-sponsored TRICARE health insurance coverage, leaving many of them without health insurance coverage. InterFaith plans to help close that gap.”

The Saluting Service – Bridging Gaps in Veteran Healthcare Access project is intended to address the urgent need for healthcare among uninsured veterans in East Tennessee. The project focuses on outreach, partner engagement, and hosting veteran-specific health events to ensure veterans are connected to a primary care provider that improves their health and overall wellbeing.

In its first year, Saluting Service hopes to achieve the following:

  • Establish formal referral pathways with organizations currently serving veterans
  • Conduct targeted outreach to ensure uninsured veterans are aware of and can access essential health services
  • Host free health events, providing direct healthcare services to veterans and transitioning them, when appropriate, into ongoing care at InterFaith Health Center

“This generous grant from Trinity Health Foundation is just the beginning,” said Knight. “InterFaith will use these the funds as a catalyst for the project’s inaugural year, but we hope to continue working to close the gap in veteran healthcare access for as long as there is a need.”

About Interfaith Health Center
InterFaith Health Center is a nonprofit organization providing medical, dental, mental health care, prescription assistance and access to specialists for Knoxville’s working uninsured or underserved population. Since its founding in 1991, InterFaith Health Center has served over 29,000 patients in the Greater Knoxville area. For more information, visit here. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/08/2024-6AM)

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