Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic—both the city’s youngest and first Black mayor—shares how small towns can strengthen health through community programs, partnerships, and advocacy for expanded access to care.

OB-GYN Dr. Howard Herrell shares how hospital closures and rising maternity deserts threaten rural communities like Greeneville, Tenn., and why continuity of care is vital to sustaining them.

When doctors thought Greg would never walk again, Yvonne Bice became his full-time caregiver, guiding him from coma to independence while navigating the challenges of lifelong TBI care.

From a small-town Facebook group to a global network in 70+ countries, the founder of Stand In Pride advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility, healthcare access, and chosen family support in rural communities.

After the OB unit in Jellico closed, a local pregnancy services coordinator and mother describes the long travel, stress, and mental health strain expectant mothers face just to deliver safely, highlighting urgent gaps in maternal care.

Former McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland highlights how rural hospital closures leave Tennessee seniors without basic care, forcing many to travel long distances—or go without the healthcare they need.

Knoxville’s Cindy Strike turns her fight with cancer and diabetes into advocacy for better obesity care and a healthier future.

Nurse and researcher Amanda Matthaei uses her own Medicaid story to advocate for access, equity, and the value of nursing in community health.

Writer and artist Luke Quarto shares how his late autism diagnosis reshaped his career, his approach to self-care, and his struggle to find affordable, consistent healthcare as a self-employed creative.

After losing her mother, Lisa, to long-delayed care in rural Tennessee, Ashley Davis shares her family’s struggles with access, cost, and hospital closures to call for stronger, community-based healthcare.