Tennessee Memory Care Assessment Network Grant Program

The State of Tennessee Department of Health, through its Office of Healthy Aging, has issued a Request for Applications to establish the Tennessee Memory Care Assessment Network (MCAN). This initiative is designed in response to the growing prevalence of dementia and related cognitive disorders across the state, where Alzheimer’s disease alone accounts for the majority of cases and represents a leading cause of death. The program recognizes significant systemic barriers to timely diagnosis and care, including workforce shortages in specialized providers, limited training for primary care professionals, and insufficient access to coordinated services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to create a statewide, hub-and-spoke model that improves access to memory assessment, diagnostic services, and coordinated care. The selected grantee will act as the central coordinating organization responsible for building and managing a network of local clinics. This network will enhance early detection and diagnosis of cognitive impairment while connecting patients and caregivers to appropriate support services, including community-based dementia resources. The initiative emphasizes improving care accessibility closer to home, particularly through the expansion of rural service capacity and integration of telehealth solutions. The scope of work requires the grantee to subcontract with four to five partner organizations to expand clinical reach and establish at least five satellite sites. The program mandates the development and dissemination of standardized dementia diagnosis protocols, including screening processes, provider education materials, and care planning frameworks. Additionally, the grantee must implement a secure, HIPAA-compliant information technology system to facilitate data sharing, reporting, and evaluation across all participating entities. This system must support patient tracking, performance monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. Funding for this opportunity totals up to 16.5 million dollars over a 50-month project period. The program is structured with phased funding allocations, beginning with annual base funding and increasing in subsequent years to support additional rural clinic expansion. Allowable uses of funds include program implementation, subcontracting with partner clinics, IT system development, workforce training, and administrative oversight. The Tennessee Department of Health will provide programmatic oversight, fiscal monitoring, and contract management throughout the project period. Eligible applicants include organizations capable of leading a statewide initiative of this scale, such as health systems, universities, specialty providers, and health clinics. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage subcontractors, meet reporting and compliance requirements, and execute a complex, multi-site healthcare program. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal, including organizational background, program design, workplan, evaluation strategy, sustainability plan, and detailed budget documentation. Applications must be submitted through the State’s online procurement portal by July 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time. The application package includes required forms, budget documentation, letters of commitment, and compliance forms such as a W-9 and supplier registration. A pre-response teleconference and formal question period are included in the timeline to support applicant preparation. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as organizational capacity, program design, provider engagement, evaluation strategy, and alignment with state health priorities. The anticipated project start date is October 1, 2026, with a performance period extending through December 1, 2030. The evaluation process will be conducted by a committee of Department of Health representatives, and the final award decision will be based on overall responsiveness to program goals and demonstrated ability to implement the MCAN model effectively. The initiative represents a significant investment in strengthening Tennessee’s dementia care infrastructure and improving health outcomes for affected populations.

Focus on strong organizational capacity and statewide coordination ability; Align proposal with state health plans and rural health priorities; Provide clear workplan and measurable outcomes; Demonstrate subcontractor partnerships and readiness