Hamilton County focuses on health and education
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local council meeting this week brought renewed attention to the future of children’s health and education in Hamilton County.
Presenters introduced two key programs—each aiming to build a stronger, healthier generation.
From the dentist’s chair to the classroom, these community-led initiatives are betting big on long-term change.
Dr. Andy Thomas with the Hamilton County Health Department shared updates on the county’s dental services.
The clinic treats patients ages four through 20, providing both preventative and restorative care.
“We went through some challenges—through COVID, and then we had some dentists retire,” Thomas explained. “Now we’re building our program back up and providing dental care for children in the community.”
He emphasized the urgency of meeting kids’ medical needs. “We can’t let children with medical needs fall through the cracks. We have to get this treatment done immediately,” he said.
But the conversation didn’t stop with healthcare.
Leaders from Chattanooga 2.0 also shared their roadmap for a brighter future, rooted in early education and economic opportunity.
Their initiative targets three key areas: early childhood, literacy, and viable pathways from school to the workforce.
Keri Randolph, Executive Director of Chattanooga 2.0, elaborated on their mission. “Chattanooga 2.0 is the cradle-to-career backbone for Hamilton County,” she said. “That means we work from birth through career, and we have five focus areas—kindergarten readiness, literacy and math success in K–12, college and career readiness, postsecondary attainment, and thriving wages for young adults.”
Randolph also highlighted a unique investment in kindergartners. “Every kindergartener registered in Hamilton County Public Schools has a $150 seed career and college savings account right now,” she noted.
Her pride in the community’s commitment was evident.
“I am so proud I live in a community where we are looking our kids in the face and telling them from an early age that we believe in you and your futures so much that we are investing in you today,” she expressed.
Together, the presentations outlined a shared vision—one where health, education, and opportunity are cornerstones of a better tomorrow for Hamilton County’s children.
