16 MAR 2024 · Did you know every organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of 75 more people through tissue donation?  That's the message from Tennessee Donor Services whose mission is to save and improve lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.  2023 was a record-breaking year in the state for organ and tissue donations in Tennessee but the need remains great. Recently John Clark spoke with Jill Grandas, Executive Director of TDS for this episode of TENNESSEE MATTERS. 

16 FEB 2024 · The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of the "silent epidemic" of youth suicide. Recent data shows Tennessee ranks among the top for child suicide rates nationwide and the issue was addressed in the State of the Child report from the TN Commission on Children & Youth. The Jason Foundation has programs and events to equip educators, young people, parents, and youth workers with the tools and resources they need to help identify and assist at risk youth. Joining John Clark to talk about the work of The Jason Foundation is Deputy Exec. Dir and Chief Communications Officer.

27 JAN 2024 · The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and prosperity of the citizens of the state. Dr. Ralph Alvarado recently celebrated his first full year as commissioner of the health department and presides over challenging times including the continuing presence of Covid 19 among many other public health concerns. Dr. Alvarado spoke with John Clark about important current issues and initiatives including programs you may not have known were part of the many responsibilities of the TN Dept. of Health.

20 OCT 2023 · https://www.tn.gov/didd (DIDD) is the state agency responsible for supporting Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is done in several ways, including Medicaid waiver Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), state-operated ICF/IIDs, and the Family Support Program. DIDD administers services directly or through contracts with community providers. Recently John Clark talked about this important state operation that is critical for individuals and families in Tennessee. Website: https://www.tn.gov/didd

13 OCT 2023 · Do you ever wonder where all of our tax money goes in Tennessee? It goes to Education, Health & Social Services, Public Safety, Transportation and back into local communities for important public services. https://www.tn.gov/revenue.html serves as the state’s primary tax collection agency, administering more than 25 different taxes and fees. In addition to tax collection and enforcement, the department is responsible for administering Tennessee’s motor vehicle registration and title laws. Recently John Clark spoke with David Gerregano, Commissioner of the TN Dept. of Revenue. Website: https://www.tn.gov/revenue

29 SEP 2023 · https://www.tbr.edu/ manages the state university and community college system of Tennessee as well as the state's vocational technical schools. With 13 community colleges and 20 TCATs (Tenn College of Applied Technology) offering more than 400 programs of study, the goal is to create opportunities for all Tennesseans to attend college, regardless of age or income. Recently John Clark spoke with Rick Locker, Dir. of Communications about the many initatives to promote higher education in our state. Link to: https://www.tbr.edu/

15 SEP 2023 · The mission of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state. To promote the TWRA’s mission along with outdoor events & activities from hunting, fishing, boating, and just about anything outdoors, the agency produces a popular podcast called Tennessee WildCast. The podcast is hosted by the longtime voice of the TWRA Don King along with cohost Jason Harmon. Don and Jason are John Clark’s guests on this episode of Tennessee Matters. TWRA website: http://www.GoOutdoorsTennessee.com TN WildCast on the iHeartRadio App: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-tennessee-wildcast-30961332/

8 SEP 2023 · https://www.taadas.org/ is a statewide association of alcohol and drug abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery service professionals and others who are interested in addiction issues. TAADAS keeps alcoholism, drug abuse, and other addiction issues including gambling in the forefront when public policy decisions are made and through the collective voice of its members. Recently John Clark talked with Exec. Dir. Mary Linden Salter about what's being done to offer hope to Tennesseans who battle addiction every day. TAADAS website: www.taadas.org

1 SEP 2023 · https://www.tn.gov/humanservices is thought of as a safety net by facilitating nutrition programs, childcare services, employment assistance, vocational training, and protective services for Tennesseans and families in need. It's the state’s second-largest agency with an operating budget of more than $3 billion and nearly 4,000 employees working in offices in all 95 counties and has been led by Commissioner Clarence Carter since January 2021. Recently Commissioner Carter spoke with John Clark about his vision to transform Tennessee's DHS. Website Link to TN DHS: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices

21 JUL 2023 · The Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s mission is to increase the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary school education and the commission actively promotes the state’s programs to help make that happen including Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. Dr. Robert Smith has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the commission and recently he spoke with Tennessee Matters host John Clark about the future of educational opportunities for everyone in Tennessee.