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Hamilton County approves $24 million in TDH contracts for care at homeless center and Birchwood clinic
Summary
The commission approved two $12 million contracts with the Tennessee Department of Health to fund dental and primary care services for uninsured adults at the Homeless Health Care Center and the Birchwood Health Clinic for 2025–2028.
The Hamilton County Commission on Nov. 19 approved two contracts with the Tennessee Department of Health totaling $24 million to provide dental and primary care services to uninsured adults aged 19–64.
Resolution 11 25-22 authorizes a $12,000,000 contract for dental and primary care services at the county’s Homeless Health Care Center for the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Resolution 11 25-23 authorizes a separate $12,000,000 contract to provide primary care services at the Birchwood Health Clinic. Both measures passed on unanimous roll-call votes after motions by Commissioner Baker and seconds by colleagues.
Context and discussion: During the Health and Human Services committee portion, Commissioner Mac raised concerns about broader safety-net programs and recent news reports suggesting cuts to SNAP. County staff clarified that SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is outside the health department’s jurisdiction; WIC remains operational. Commissioners emphasized the contracts aim to expand access to primary and dental care for uninsured adult residents.
Quotes: "SNAP is not within my division... WIC is continuing to function business as usual," a county health division representative told the commission in response to questions about nutritional assistance programs.
What’s next: The county mayor is authorized to sign the contracts and to execute any necessary implementing documents. The agreements cover services through mid-2028 and will be implemented by the Hamilton County Health Department’s health and social services division.
