Policy and Advocacy

TPCA recognizes the need for policy makers at the state and federal levels to understand and support the high-quality, comprehensive care that Community Health Centers provide to patients, and we connect health centers with legislators to ensure that health centers are valued in Tennessee and in Washington D.C.

We provide a voice for community health centers in the state legislature by introducing legislation on their behalf, tracking policy developments, testifying at committee hearings, and educating legislators. At the federal level, we work closely with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) to monitor legislation, submit public comments on regulations, and provide information to Members of Congress.


Learn more about our current policy priorities:

Additional Resources

Staff Expertise

Emily Waitt, Policy & Advocacy Manager, ensures health centers have the knowledge, resources, and tools to shape the policy decisions that affect them at all levels of government. Emily can also assist you in connecting with your legislators, engaging your organization in advocacy, and advising on healthcare legislation.

Contact Emily

Policy Update

E-newsletter sharing the latest healthcare policy news, legislative session updates, important action alerts, and more. TPCA members, please log in to view this page.

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Advocacy Opportunities

Health Center Advocacy Network

TPCA connects health centers with the Health Center Advocacy Network, which is administered by NACHC. The network provides opportunities to conveniently and quickly take action to advocate for legislation that affects health centers.


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National Health Center Week

TPCA assists health centers with the planning and execution of events during National Health Center Week, held by NACHC. National Health Center Week provides opportunities to illustrate the value of health centers and generate support for their work.


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Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) Program

TPCA provides support to health centers that apply to be recognized as Advocacy Centers of Excellence through NACHC. The ACE program recognizes health centers that demonstrate a commitment to advocacy and engage the whole organization in those efforts. We are proud of the Tennessee health centers that have achieved ACE designation:

  • Community Health of East Tennessee
  • Connectus Health
  • Lifespan Health

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Annual Capitol Hill Visits in Washington, D.C.

TPCA facilitates meetings between Community Health Center leaders and Tennessee’s Members of Congress in Washington, D.C., to advocate for legislation that supports the work of health centers.