C.H.A.T. Connections Tennessee Clinics Helping Adults Thrive through Senior Nutrition Engagement in Tennessee Partnering with Charitable and Rural Health Clinics to connect TN older adults - East Tennessee State University's (ETSU's) CHAT Connections Tennessee initiative, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Aging and Disability and key partners will collaborate with federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and charitable clinics to increase access to congregate meals in the Senior Nutrition Program for Tennesseans aged 60+ with mental illness. This three-year project will strengthen statewide coordination between clinical providers and Senior Nutrition Programs (SNP), reducing isolation, improving nutrition and enhancing behavioral health. The project's objectives are: 1) to identify effective practices in congregate nutrition settings; 2) to train meal site staff in trauma-informed and culturally appropriate care; 3) to evaluate behavioral health and nutrition outcomes using measurable data; and 4) to develop ten accessible resources supporting statewide adoption of best practices. Anticipated outcomes include: 1) improved behavioral health and nutrition for older adults with mental illness; 2) increased engagement with congregate meals; 3) expanded partnerships between clinics and aging services; 4) enhanced staff capacity to deliver integrated care; and 5) consistent service delivery across Tennessee. Expected products include a best practices report, training toolkit, evaluation dashboard, ten Section 508-compliant educational resources, and an implementation guide. These materials will support sustainable improvements in care for older adults with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. Additional key partners include the State SNP, nine Area Agencies on Aging and Disability, the Tennessee Charitable Care Network, the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, the Strong BRAIN Institute, and ETSU's Quillen College of Medicine.
