Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP has appointed John Webb as deputy commissioner for operations.

Last month, the Center for Medical Interoperability announced the launch of C4MI Verified™ - a testing program to accelerate the availability of connected technology solutions in the healthcare industry.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, TriStar Health joined more than 65 HCA Healthcare hospitals and local law enforcement agencies across the country to provide an opportunity for community members to properly dispose of unused opioid medications anonymously, with no questions asked.

Franklin-based American Health Partners has recently announced two new senior staff members to the team.

Awards, Honors, Achievements

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. recently announced FDA Orphan Drug Grant funding for a new Phase II clinical program.

Founded more than 50 years ago in Huntsville, Ala., Fourroux Prosthetics recently opened their newest full-service patient care facility in La Vergne to provide prosthetic services to amputees in Nashville and surrounding communities.

Franklin-based ObjectiveGI, an integrated research and technology services platform company, announced its 10th "Center of Research Excellence" last month.

TriStar Centennial Medical Center recently welcomed Emily Peoples Neely, MD, to TriStar Medical Group - The Frist Clinic. Neely is board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and has been practicing in the Nashville area for the past eight years.

Acadia Healthcare, a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services, and The Jason Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on youth suicide awareness and prevention, have partnered to provide professional guidance and support services to assist schools in dealing with a crisis or traumatic event affecting the student body.

Last month, Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics welcomed Brian Dierckman, MD, to their practice and opened a new office at Southern Hills. Dierckman, a board certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip, knee and shoulder, will primarily see patients at the new location.

Cumberland Emerging Technologies, Inc. (CET) has announced the appointment of Jim Stefansic, PhD, as CET's development director.

TriStar Centennial Women's Hospital recently announced the opening of a Milk Bank Depot for moms to donate frozen breast milk.

Community behavioral health provider Centerstone recently announced the promotion of Carol Bean to vice president of finance and assistant treasurer.

Ascension Saint Thomas has launched its Ascension Online Care platform, giving consumers 24/7 access to care.

Recognizing health happens in the community and that social determinants have a dramatic impact on wellness and well-being, Tennessee Titans All-Pro Safety Kevin Byard joined employees of UnitedHealthcare to distribute new shoes, socks and other daily essentials to students at Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary last month.

The number of opioid-exposed infants who were connected, along with their families, to outside resources upon discharge from the hospital surged in a recent six-month pilot.

Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) recently announced the addition of several members to his staff.

In late August, the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) announced Wendy Long, MD, MPH, has been selected as the association's next president and CEO and will succeed long-time leader Craig Becker, who is retiring after 26 years of service. Long, who will step into her new role in mid-October, was selected after a seven-month national search.

First Tennessee Bank recently announced the promotion of Matthew Harrison to senior vice president, team lead, private client relationship manager for the company's Medical Private Banking office in Nashville.

Last month, TriStar Horizon Medical Center announced the promotion of Marti Lamastus as the new chief financial officer for the 157-bed hospital.

Nashville's building boom isn't limited to downtown as new healthcare facilities are in the works to help meet the needs of a growing suburban population.

Awards, Honors, Achievements

Clarksville physician Thomas Ely, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP, has been named president-elect of the American Osteopathic Association. He will lead the national organization as 2020-21 president.

Alive, one of the oldest hospices in the nation and the only nonprofit provider of hospice care and end-of-life services in Middle Tennessee, announced the appointment of Kimberly Goessele as president and chief executive officer effective September 23.