As major healthcare organizations consider investing millions in new hospital facilities for Clarksville, community members have a direct opportunity to influence these decisions through Tennessee’s Certificate of Need (CON) process. Understanding how to effectively participate could help shape the future of healthcare in Montgomery County for generations.

Why community input matters

The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission doesn’t make hospital approval decisions in a vacuum. State commissioners specifically seek community input to understand local healthcare needs, gaps in services, and resident priorities. Your testimony can provide real-world perspective that statistics and market studies cannot capture.

A public hearing is scheduled for July 23 at 9 a.m. and is open to the public. Community letters should be submitted at least 15 days before the scheduled hearing.

Power of written support letters

While public hearings get attention, written letters of support often carry significant weight with commissioners. These documents become part of the permanent CON application file and can be referenced throughout the review process and any potential appeals.

What makes a strong support letter:

  • Personal experience: Share specific examples of how current healthcare access affects you and your family. Have you traveled to Nashville for specialized care? Experienced long wait times at emergency rooms? Struggled to find certain specialists locally?
  • Community perspective: Describe how you see healthcare needs in Clarksville. Are you a parent concerned about pediatric services? A senior citizen worried about cardiac care access? A business owner who understands workforce health needs?
  • Economic impact: If relevant, mention how improved healthcare access would affect your family’s decisions about staying in Clarksville, your business operations, or your community involvement.
  • Specific support: Clearly state which hospital proposal you’re supporting and why. Mention specific services or capabilities that matter most to you.

How to submit your letter:

Timing is critical. Submit letters as early as possible after applications are filed. Late submissions may not be included in commissioners’ review materials.

Submission method: Email directly to the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission at HSDA.Staff@tn.gov.

Sample letter structure:

  • Opening: State your name, address (demonstrating you’re a Montgomery County resident), and specify the Clarksville CON and the hospital which you prefer, or if you equally prefer each entity that applied.
  • Body: Share two to three specific points about why this hospital development matters to you personally and to the community. Use concrete examples rather than general statements.
  • Closing: Clearly state your support for the application and request that commissioners approve the proposal.
  • Keep it concise: One to two pages maximum. Commissioners review hundreds of documents, brevity increases impact.

Beyond letters: Other ways to participate

  • Attend public hearings: Persons supporting and/or opposing the application will have an opportunity to provide testimony during commission meetings. These typically allow three to five minutes per speaker.
  • Organize community groups: Coordinate with neighbors, civic organizations, or professional associations to submit multiple letters or attend hearings together.
  • Contact local officials: Share your views with City Council members, county commissioners, and state representatives. While they don’t vote on CON applications, their input can influence the process.
  • Stay Informed: Follow local news coverage and attend any community information sessions hosted by hospital applicants.

Understanding the timeline

Applications are deemed complete by the close of business on the 14th day of the month, and a review cycle starts on the 15th day of each month. This means community input should be submitted as soon as applications enter the formal review process. The Clarksville CON review process has already begun.

Application materials, including a staff review, will be forwarded to the board about 12 days prior to the meeting (the week of July 7) in which the application will be heard. Letters submitted after this point may not be included in commissioners’ review materials.

Making your voice count

The CON process represents one of the few times community members can directly influence major economic development decisions in their area. Healthcare commissioners understand that hospitals must serve real community needs, not just market opportunities.

The decisions made through Tennessee’s CON process will affect Montgomery County families for decades. Taking a few minutes to write a thoughtful letter or attend a public hearing is one of the most direct ways to help shape your community’s healthcare future.

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