On April 14, 2022, the eTHRIVE team had the opportunity to participate with our Remote Area Medical (RAM)® Telehealth partners at the Knoxville Community Action Coalition (CAC) Health Fair. The eTHRIVE team collaborating with RAM to begin implementing an additional site-based telehealth program with CAC next month. Participation in the health fair was a “great experience to connect with potential telehealth clients,” said Stephen Blackstock, RAM® Disaster and Telehealth Manager.

According to CAC, about 60 people came through the health fair at the Baptist Center in Western Heights. The eTHRIVE team was able to speak with about 30 participants to provide education on telehealth services. In addition, the team collected some initial feedback on access to healthcare services and the basic demographics of this community population in preparation for the implementation of telehealth services in the area.

“The opportunity to engage with the CAC community in north Knoxville was extremely valuable. Through my interactions, I heard first-hand the issues CAC clients experience to secure accessible care. I am excited about the opportunity provided through the eTHRIVE project to explore addressing gaps in healthcare needs with site-based telehealth for the CAC population,” said Susan Hebert, eTHRIVE Lead Faculty Simulation & Technology. The eTHRIVE team looks forward to the continued partnership with CAC and the implementation of telehealth services next month to be able to meet community members where they are and improve access to needed healthcare services.