Tennessee Introduces Nation's First Diaper Assistance for Families

Issue #168

03 Aug

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In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

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👼 Tennessee Introduces Nation's First Diaper Assistance for Families

🇺🇸 Tennessee State Parks Honors Veterans with Salute to Service Days 

🚶 Mon/Wed/Fri: Walking the Riverwalk

💦 Today: End of Summer Back to School Bash at Spring Hill Place Pool

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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Upcoming Local Events

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Saturday, August 3rd

Sunday, August 4th

Monday, August 5th

Tuesday, August 6th

Wednesday, August 7th

Thursday, August 8th

Friday, August 9th

Saturday, August 10th

Tennessee Introduces Nation's First Diaper Assistance for Families

Tennessee is set to become the first state in the U.S. to provide financial assistance for diaper purchases. Starting August 7, eligible families enrolled in TennCare and CoverKids programs will have access to a monthly allocation of up to 100 diapers at no cost, through the newly established TennCare Diaper Benefit initiative.

This innovative program aims to alleviate the financial strain associated with diaper expenses, an area previously overlooked by state and federal assistance programs. The initiative, introduced by Governor Bill Lee in early 2023, is funded by $30 million allocated during the state's 2023 legislative session. This funding stems from a $330 million surplus generated by Tennessee's restructured Medicaid block grant system.

Governor Lee has framed the benefit as a measure supporting both families and pro-life values. In a statement, he emphasized Tennessee's pioneering role in addressing this essential need for families, expressing hope that other states might follow suit.

The program's eligibility extends to all TennCare and CoverKids members under two years of age. Participating pharmacies will assist in verifying eligibility, with parents needing to present their child's OptumRx pharmacy card or Social Security number. For newborns, parents may use their own OptumRx card or Social Security number if the child's documentation is not yet available.

A comprehensive list of participating pharmacies will be available on the tn.gov/tenncare website on the program's launch date. The benefit covers a range of popular diaper brands, including Huggies, Cuties, Pampers, and Luvs, with specific package sizes and types included in the program.

Tennessee State Parks Honors Veterans with Salute to Service Days

Tennessee State Parks will honor U.S. military Veterans with "Salute to Service" days, offering free camping and golf on the birthdays of each military branch. The first tribute is on Sunday, August 4, celebrating the U.S. Coast Guard's founding in 1790. Veterans can enjoy a complimentary one-night camping stay and waived golf fees on these special dates. Additionally, the same benefits will be available to all Veterans on Veterans Day, November 11. This initiative leads up to the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.

Dates for the free camping and golf days by branch:

Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 (Coast Guard)
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 (Air Force)
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 (Navy)
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 (Marines)
Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 (Veterans Day)
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 (National Guard)
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 (Space Force)

Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Army)
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 (Coast Guard)
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 (Air Force)
Monday, Oct. 13, 2025 (Navy)
Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 (Marines)
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 (Veterans Day)
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 (National Guard)
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 (Space Force)

Sunday, June 14, 2026 (Army)

To secure a complimentary stay on the designated dates, Veterans should call the Tennessee State Parks reservation line at 888-867-2757. Reservations for the one-night camping offer can be made at any time, though premium campsites are not included. Veterans need to provide official ID and proof of their status at check-in.

For a free round of golf, Veterans must directly contact the golf course to book their tee time within the course’s booking window. Information about golf at Tennessee State Parks is available here.

Mon/Wed/Fri: Walking the Riverwalk

Start your day on the right foot with a refreshing group walk led by the Parks and Recreation staff at Riverside Park. Join us for a morning of invigorating exercise, scenic views, and great company. Whether you're looking to get fit, enjoy nature, or simply meet new friends, this weather-permitting walk is the perfect way to boost your day. Lace up your sneakers and come enjoy the fresh air!

Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Riverwalk Park
102 Riverside Dr., Columbia

Today: End of Summer Back to School Bash at Spring Hill Place Pool

Join us at the pool from 11:00 to 2:00pm for an end of summer Back to School Bash!

Bring your lunch and come play on the waterslides! We will also be serving ice cream, popsicles, and popcorn!

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1303 Round Hill Ln, Spring Hill

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, August 3rd

Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
Tom Saffel & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
2 Way Mirror, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
Boomerang, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
New Binge Music, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band, Ember’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, August 4th

Braise Killen, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Gentry Blue, Rebel Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM
Archer, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM
Brian & Aletha Golden, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

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