Cherokee Health Systems Partners with the University of Tennessee to Improve Health Education and Research

May 05, 2022

CHS Media Contact: Brittany McCraw

c: 813-380-1850

brittany.mccraw@cherokeehealth.com

Cherokee Health Systems Partners with the University of Tennessee to Improve Health Education and Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Cherokee Health Systems is teaming up with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) to address relevant health issues and advance the development of health education and research. The neighboring organizations will officially begin partnering together this month to provide research opportunities and support training for UT students, while UT faculty will assist in providing professional development for Cherokee Health staff and supporting biomedical research.

“Cherokee Health and UT have a three-decade history of collaboration, and we look forward to building on this foundation to enhance the well-being and health of Tennesseans. Cherokee Health and UT share a vision of academic-community partnership that will be a national exemplar for education, research and service,” said Dr. Parinda Khatri, Cherokee Health’s Chief Executive Officer.

To monitor the progress of the partnership, a committee comprised of representatives from UT and Cherokee Health will meet at least four times per year to oversee the academic, educational, research and service cooperation between both organizations.

UT will host a kick-off event to celebrate the new partnership on Thursday, April 7. The first part of the event will include a presentation with comments from Chancellor Donde Plowman, Cherokee Health’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Parinda Khatri and other leaders from UT and Cherokee Health. A reception will follow the first half of the event. Additional event details are listed below.

WHAT: Cherokee Health and UT Celebration Event

WHEN: Thursday, April 7, 2022

4:30 to 5:30 pm | Presentation | Toyota Auditorium

5:30 to 6:30 pm | Reception | Rotunda

WHERE: Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy (1640 Cumberland Avenue in Knoxville)

*Media: please confirm attendance

*Event is NOT open to the public

About Cherokee Health Systems Since 1960, CHS has been committed to ensuring Tennesseans get access to effective, high-quality care. CHS is a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves 75,000 people annually. We offer a wide array of comprehensive health services, including primary care, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy. All of our services are available to children, adults and seniors on an ability to pay basis. CHS is a TennCare (Medicaid) and Medicare provider. In addition, CHS accepts commercial insurance for payment.

About the University of Tennessee, Knoxville The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been advancing knowledge and enriching lives since its founding in 1794. Tennessee’s flagship public research university, UT is a diverse community whose shared commitment to discovery, creativity, and education combines with a tradition of service and engagement to carry the Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. UT’s campus—home to around 31,000 students and 9,000 faculty and staff members—is part of the vibrant city of Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River with the Great Smoky Mountains nearby.