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Commission committee approves MOU with UTHSC for Shelby Cares health hubs; pre-K funding approved but not yet disbursed
Summary
Budget & Finance recommended a memorandum of understanding with UT Health Science Center for Shelby Cares neighborhood health hubs (up to $650,000) and First Eight Memphis reported high pre-K enrollment but noted county's new FY26 pre-K allocation had not yet been delivered to providers.
The Budget & Finance Committee on Nov. 12 recommended favorably an MOU authorizing up to $650,000 to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to operate Shelby Cares neighborhood health hub activities and provide administrative and operational oversight through Dec. 31, 2026. UT officials described the model's focus on cardiovascular prevention and culturally tailored health coaching; they reported more than 20,000 visits and over 3,000 unique individuals served across hub locations to date.
UT and county staff stressed plans to increase sustainability by integrating insurance billing and partnerships with area health systems and philanthropic supporters. Commissioners asked for details about ongoing funding sources; UT said two hubs are currently supported by philanthropic commitments (UnitedHealthcare, ACC Foundation, Kemmons Wilson Foundation) while Shelby County funding ensures local reach and supports coaching and operations in specific neighborhoods.
Separately, First Eight Memphis (pre-K) presented Q3 and Q4 FY2024-25 outcomes: enrollment increased to 97% capacity in Q4, instructional coaching and wraparound supports were delivered across partner classrooms, and per-child expenditure averaged about $9,063 (below the national high-quality average of ~$12,500). Program leaders and commissioners reiterated that, although the County approved an increase to $11.5 million for FY26 pre-K, the contract had not yet been signed and providers had not yet received the funds. Officials said the city of Memphis also authorized $8.5 million for the same school year; the county and city must finalize contract execution to release the allocations. Commissioners urged administration to expedite the signings so partner providers are not left waiting for budgeted payments.
What happens next: The MOU will be filed with the full Board with a favorable committee recommendation. First Eight leaders and county staff will report back on the status of contract execution and the expected timetable for funds to flow to providers.
Who spoke: Blair Benavides (Shelby County Office of Innovation), Dr. Jim Bailey (UT Health Science Center), Candice Thomas (First Eight Memphis), and multiple commissioners.
