Clinics Helping Adults Thrive through Senior Nutrition Engagement in Tennessee
WHAT IS CHAT?
CHAT is a Tennessee program for adults age 60 and older that integrates mental health support, nutritious meals, and social connection by linking health clinics with senior congregate meal programs. Services are offered in trusted community settings, supporting older adults experiencing depression, anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and other mental health concerns-particularly those who feel lonely or disconnected. CHAT partners with clinics, senior centers, meal sites, students, and community organizations to strengthen community based care.
Our GOAL is to strengthen connections between clinics and Senior Nutrition Programs to improve nutrition, social connection, and behavioral health for adults 60 and older across Tennessee.
GET INVOLVED
Over the next three years, CHAT will evaluate what works and create easy-to-use resources to share across Tennessee. This project has the support of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, Tennessee Charitable Care Network, American Association of Retired Persons, and Tennessee Division of Disability and Aging. We are looking for partners who want to get involved!
Opportunities to participate:
• Completing our survey
• Welcoming a student
• Becoming a nutrition or clinic pilot site
CONTACT US:
General questions: chat@etsu.edu Phone: 423-439-6018
Principal investigator: Dr. Laura Trull trulllh@etsu.edu
Project Manager: Mindy Butler butlermr@etsu.edu