As we begin a new year, the Knox/East Tennessee Healthcare Coalition (KETHC) extends sincere appreciation to our partners across hospitals, long-term care (LTC), assisted care living facilities (ACLF), dialysis c
enters, outpatient clinics, public health, emergency management, EMS, and the broader response community. Your collaboration and commitment are essential to strengthening emergency preparedness, response, and recovery across our region.
Looking ahead to 2026, KETHC remains focused on building and sustaining strong, cooperative partnerships that enhance the regional healthcare system and support all organizations involved in emergency preparedness and response. By bringing together traditional and non-traditional healthcare partners, we continue to improve coordination, communication, and operational readiness.
This year, KETHC has a robust slate of training and exercise opportunities planned to support coalition members and regional partners, including:
-
Amateur Radio (AUXCOMM) classes
-
Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) and Nursing Home Incident Command System (NHICS) courses -
Lunch-and-Learn educational sessions
-
Conference presentations focused on preparedness and response
-
Our annual, region-wide Medical Surge and Response Exercise
These activities are designed to increase awareness of regional capabilities, strengthen cross-sector coordination, and ensure partners understand how to access and use coalition resources during an incident—before they are needed.
Additional details, dates, and registration information will be shared throughout the year. We encourage partners to stay engaged by following KETHC on Facebook, X, and regularly visiting our website for the latest updates and opportunities.
Together, we continue to strengthen regional readiness, response, and resilience.