Navigating the complex system of health and social services can be challenging for many families.

Therefore, the Knox County Health Department has joined a state program to help simplify it.

The program is called Community Health Access and Navigation in Tennessee, or CHANT. It provides free and voluntary care coordination services to pregnant women and families with children up to age 21, including those with special health care needs.

“Being a parent is challenging even when everything is going well. CHANT Care Coordinators are trained to help smooth the way for families as they navigate the complex world of parenting,” said Susan Moore, CHANT Program Manager. “Whether a family needs linkage to resources, solid parenting education or help with a child’s medical diagnosis and accompanying bills, CHANT Care Coordinators partner with them to tailor solutions.”

Through partnership with families, CHANT Care Coordinators work to improve family access to medical and dental care, provide developmental screenings, assessment, and navigation of preventive services. Additionally, through Children’s Special Services (CSS) pathway, children with qualifying diagnoses who meet income eligibility can receive payment assistance for medical visits, durable medical equipment and prescriptions as needed to support their medical condition.

A family can self-refer or be referred by an outside community partner/organization. Those interested in participating in the CHANT program can call 865-215-5190 or email CHANT@knoxcounty.org.