Tennessee’s health department awarded a $12 million grant aimed at closing health care gaps in rural areas to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

The Volunteer State is a national health care hub yet ranks No. 44 in the nation for health outcomes, with rural residents suffering significant health disparities. This grant, a four-year initiative, is designed to address the lack of preventative care and other health services throughout the state.

Gov. Bill Lee released a statement saying that improvements have been made since 2019, but more needs to be done.

“As we continue to invest in and strengthen rural Tennessee, I’m grateful for our partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, which will ensure that every family has access to enhance their health and well-being to build a stronger, healthier Tennessee for generations to come,” he said.

Health Commissioner John Dunn said this partnership will team the science center with state and local partners.

“Health should not depend on where you live,” he said in an Aug. 26 news release announcing the grant.

The health science center helped guide Memphis, where it has a campus, during the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. The University of Tennessee has educational and clinical campuses at major hospitals in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville as well as clinics through the state.

UT System President Randy Boyd said the grant is a powerful reflection of the science center’s “deep expertise and commitment to improving lives across Tennessee.

“This work will help build lasting partnerships, drive innovative solutions and extend critical care into rural communities that need it most,” Boyd said.

This story will be updated.

Beth Warren covers health care and can be reached at bwarren@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: $12 million grant targets rural health care gaps in Tennessee