Tennessee Department of Health Services, Phone Numbers, County Health Departments & Official Help
This practical guide explains how to contact the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), which phone number to use, how to find your county health department, and where to get official help for vital records, immunization records, WIC, restaurant inspections, foodborne illness reports, environmental health, healthcare facility complaints, professional licenses, public records, health data and local clinic services.
TDH uses several program-specific phone numbers. For many user needs, the correct route is not one general line but the local county health department or the official program page for that service.
This finder helps you choose the correct official TDH path. It does not book appointments, check live wait times, or replace a county office. It simply points you to the most relevant official Tennessee health resource for common searches.
For general Tennessee Department of Health routing, start with the official TDH contact page or call the State Operator at 615-741-3011. For vital records, WIC, immunizations, foodborne illness, environmental health, health licensure, or local clinic services, use the program-specific phone number or county health department page.
Tennessee Department of Health phone numbers, county offices and services
The Tennessee Department of Health contact page lists program-specific phone numbers rather than one single phone number for every task. For general state routing, the listed State Operator number is 615-741-3011. For vital records such as birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, TDH lists 615-685-4700. For immunizations and many communicable disease questions, TDH lists 615-741-7247.
For WIC, Tennessee lists 1-800-DIAL-WIC (1-800-342-5942). For suspected foodborne illness from a Tennessee restaurant, TDH lists the Tennessee Foodborne Illness Survey and 800-293-8228. For healthcare facility complaints, TDH lists the Health Care Facilities Complaint Hotline at 877-287-0010.
For local appointments, WIC clinics, primary care where available, dental services where available, immunizations, restaurant and pool inspections, family planning, vital records access and community health services, use your county health department page before calling the state office.
Tennessee Department of Health fast facts before you call
Official verification for this Tennessee Department of Health guide
Publish-ready as of: May 8, 2026.
This guide was prepared using official Tennessee Department of Health resources, including the TDH home page, TDH contact page, local health department page, Office of Vital Records, WIC page, immunization and TennIIS resources, foodborne illness reporting page, Environmental Health page, Disease Surveillance page, Tennessee Health Alert Network, public records guidance and TDH dashboard resources.
Phone numbers, local office hours, clinic appointment rules, WIC processes, vital record fees, restaurant inspection contacts, permit fees, licensure requirements, public health reporting rules and public records procedures can change. Always verify details on the official TDH page or your county health department page before visiting, paying, mailing documents or relying on a deadline.
What this Tennessee Department of Health guide covers
Tennessee Department of Health phone number directory by service
TDH publishes many frequently dialed phone numbers by program. This is useful, but it means users should not treat one number as the answer to every question. Vital records, immunizations, WIC, restaurant complaints, environmental health, healthcare facilities and professional licensing each have separate routing.
Best call strategy for Tennessee Department of Health services
Before calling, write down the service you need, county, record type, restaurant name and address, illness date, permit question, clinic appointment need, WIC clinic, license type, complaint details or public records request topic. A precise request gets routed faster than “I need the health department.”
Tennessee county health department near me: phone, hours, services and appointments
Tennessee county health departments are often the most practical starting point for real user needs. The statewide TDH website explains programs, but the county office usually handles local clinic services, immunizations, WIC appointments, restaurant and pool inspection questions, community emergency response, vital records access, and local public health services.
The official TDH local health department page lists county health departments, addresses, telephone numbers, hours, county directors and notes for locations that offer primary care or dental services. Many listed offices show standard daytime hours, but users should always verify their specific county office before visiting because local operations can change.
Tennessee Department of Health services by major local search intent
Many users search for a city or county office instead of the statewide department. That is smart when the need is local. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Johnson City, Jackson, Franklin and county-level searches may require a local health department or metropolitan health department rather than a statewide program number.
What the Tennessee Department of Health handles in 2026
TDH works across public health, local health services, vital records, disease prevention, emergency response, health licensure, WIC, maternal and child health, environmental health, health data and community health. Some services are handled by state divisions, while many day-to-day services are provided through county health departments.
What the Tennessee Department of Health may not be the right agency for
TDH is the correct agency for many public health needs, but not every health-related issue belongs to TDH. The fastest answer may come from another state agency, county office, insurer, provider, federal program or emergency service.
Tennessee birth certificate, death certificate, marriage and divorce record help
The Tennessee Office of Vital Records handles birth, death, marriage and divorce certificate services. TDH’s contact page lists Vital Records for birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates at 615-685-4700. TDH also publishes separate contacts for birth record registration questions and VRISM technical support.
The TDH department information page explains that the Division of Vital Records and Statistics maintains a central registry of births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages and divorces in Tennessee. Certified copies may be available through the Vital Records Office in Nashville, selected county sites and the Vital Records website.
Vital record access depends on the record type, requester eligibility, identification, dates, fees and whether you need a certified copy, amendment, correction or registration assistance. County health departments may help with some records, but users should verify availability with the exact county office.
Before you request a Tennessee vital record
Prepare the full name on the record, date of birth or death, county, parent or spouse details when required, valid ID, proof of eligibility, mailing address, payment method, and whether you need a certified copy for school, passport, estate, insurance, court, immigration or another official purpose.
Tennessee immunization records, TennIIS and school certificate help
TDH immunization resources explain that individuals may request a copy of their own TennIIS immunization record, or a child’s record if they are the child’s parent or legal guardian. The Tennessee Immunization Information System, known as TennIIS, supports immunization record access for children and adults in Tennessee.
TDH notes that not all immunization providers choose to record immunizations in TennIIS, so records are only as complete as the information reported by providers. Paper immunization records can be entered into TennIIS by a local Tennessee health department or a medical office with TennIIS access.
An official Tennessee Immunization Certificate is required for child care centers, preschools and schools to meet attendance requirements through grade 12. Certificates are available at local Tennessee health departments and medical offices with TennIIS access.
Immunization record tip
Do not assume every shot is already in TennIIS. Bring vaccine cards, school forms, out-of-state records, pharmacy records, military records and provider printouts when asking a local health department or provider to help update immunization history.
Tennessee WIC phone number, WIC clinic, card and nutrition help
Tennessee WIC provides nutrition support for eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children. TDH tells users to contact a local WIC clinic or call 1-800-DIAL-WIC (1-800-342-5942) for more information, to apply for WIC, schedule an appointment or get help with a WIC card or benefits.
TDH’s WIC page also points users to the USDA WIC Prescreening Tool. That tool can help users check whether they may be potentially eligible, but TDH notes that it is not an application for WIC benefits. To begin the application process, users should contact the local WIC clinic or call the statewide WIC number.
What to prepare for a Tennessee WIC appointment
Bring proof of identity, proof of Tennessee address, proof of income or qualifying program participation, pregnancy information if applicable, child or infant information, and any instructions given by the local WIC clinic. Missing documents can delay certification.
Tennessee environmental health, restaurant permits, pool inspections, hotels and healthy homes
TDH Environmental Health covers food safety and several public health inspection topics. TDH’s contact page lists General Environmental Health for hotels, motels, restaurants and tattoo topics at 615-741-7206. It also lists camp and campground inspections, hotels, motels and pool inspections, rabies and tattoos under the environmental health contact area.
Restaurant inspection, food service permits, temporary food events, hotels, motels, pools, tattoo establishments and similar local public health questions may involve the local county health department or environmental health office. TDH also publishes restaurant inspection scores through official inspection tools.
Tennessee restaurant illness report and foodborne disease help
If you believe something you ate at a Tennessee restaurant made you sick, TDH says you can submit the Tennessee Foodborne Illness Survey or call 800-293-8228. Reports are sent to the local health department for review and possible investigation.
TDH explains that the Foodborne Illness Survey allows people to report illness while details are still fresh. Investigation may be limited if contact information or the restaurant name and address are not provided. This is why users should write down key details before submitting a report.
Tennessee health care facility complaints, license verification and health related boards
TDH’s Health Licensure and Regulation area includes health care facilities, health related boards, license verification, disciplinary action reports and complaint routing. TDH lists Health Care Facilities at 615-741-7221, a toll-free health care facilities number at 800-778-4504, and the Health Care Facilities Complaint Hotline at 877-287-0010.
For individual professional license topics, TDH lists Health Related Boards at 615-532-3202 and toll-free 800-778-4123. The contact page also lists separate phone numbers for nursing, medical doctors, pharmacy, dental, EMS, physical therapy, professional counselors and other boards.
Tennessee disease surveillance, health alerts and public health reporting
TDH Disease Surveillance resources explain that communicable, environmental and infectious diseases can emerge and spread easily. Public health surveillance helps identify cases, monitor outbreaks, locate and treat exposed people, and interrupt disease transmission.
TDH also operates the Tennessee Health Alert Network, known as TNHAN, to rapidly share alerts, updates and advisories with local, state and federal partners. Healthcare providers and reporting entities may use official public health reporting systems, including electronic case reporting and the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System where applicable.
Tennessee Department of Health public records, health statistics and dashboards
TDH’s public records guidance tells users to review the public records policy and already-published records before making a request. Public records requests must include enough detail for the records custodian to identify the records sought, including the type of record, timeframe or dates, and subject matter or keywords.
TDH notes that users may be charged reasonable costs for producing copies, that confidential information will be removed as required by law, and that the department is not required to create a record that does not exist to satisfy a request. For health data, TDH publishes dashboards and health statistics resources that may answer many questions before a formal records request is needed.
Tennessee Department of Health free services vs paid certificates, permits and records
Many TDH pages, local health department listings, public health alerts, dashboards, immunization guidance, WIC information and program pages are free to access. Some services may involve fees, including certified vital records, environmental health permits, food service permits, license applications, renewals, copies and public records production costs.
For example, TDH environmental health guidance lists mobile food unit permit fee details, including an annual fee and prorated fee timing. Because fees can change by program, permit type and year, always verify the current official TDH page before paying.
Tennessee Health portal confusion: which official page should you use?
The Tennessee Department of Health website has several official pages, and each solves a different user problem. The home page is good for broad TDH navigation. The contact page is useful for program phone numbers and public records instructions. The local page is best for county health departments. Vital Records is for certificates. Immunization is for TennIIS and school certificates. Environmental Health is for restaurant, pool, lodging, tattoo and permit topics.
Tennessee Department of Health office visit checklist before you go
Many failed visits happen because the user goes to the wrong office, arrives without an appointment, or lacks required documents. Before visiting a county health department or contacting TDH, confirm the service, hours, appointment rule and documents.
How to contact the right Tennessee Department of Health office
Identify the exact service first
Decide whether you need vital records, immunization records, WIC, restaurant inspection, foodborne illness reporting, environmental health, facility complaint, professional license help, public records or general routing.
Start from the official TDH page
Use TN.gov/health, the official TDH contact page, the local health department page, or the program-specific page. Avoid outdated directory pages when you need official numbers or fees.
Use your county health department for local services
For appointments, WIC, local clinics, restaurant inspections, primary care where available, dental services where available and local public health support, use your county health department page.
Prepare documents and details
Have names, dates, addresses, case details, record details, permit numbers, appointment information or program details ready before calling or visiting.
Verify hours, fees and appointment rules
Check the official TDH or county health department page before visiting because rules, fees, service availability and office hours can change.
Do not use general TDH contact pages for emergencies
If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If you need suicide, mental health crisis or emotional distress support in the United States, call or text 988. If you suspect poisoning, severe illness, urgent disease exposure, immediate violence, abuse or an active safety threat, use the proper emergency or hotline path.
TDH contact pages are useful for program routing, public health records, WIC, vital records, inspections, complaints and public health information. They are not a substitute for emergency medical care, urgent law enforcement, crisis intervention or immediate safety response.
Tennessee Department of Health map and county office search
The map below points to the Tennessee Department of Health state office area in Nashville. Most users do not need to visit the state office. For vital records, WIC, immunizations, restaurant complaints, environmental health and local services, use the correct official program page or county health department before traveling.
Official Tennessee Department of Health links for services, phone numbers and records
Use these official resources before relying on directory sites, paid certificate websites, old phone listings, or unofficial local office pages.
Tennessee Department of Health official website Main official TDH site for public health programs, local services, quick links, news and statewide health information. TDH Contact page Official TDH contact page with frequently dialed phone numbers, public records instructions and program contacts. Local Health Departments Official county health department list with addresses, phone numbers, hours and service notes. Office of Vital Records Official TDH page for Tennessee birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program Official TDH immunization page for TennIIS, school certificates, vaccine guidance and record requests. TennIIS and VFC contact resources Official contact details for TennIIS Help Desk, registration, training and related immunization support. Tennessee WIC Program Official TDH WIC page for applications, appointments, WIC card help, benefits and local clinic support. TDH Environmental Health Official TDH environmental health page for restaurants, mobile food units, food safety, pools and related programs. Foodborne and Enteric Diseases Official Tennessee foodborne illness reporting page and survey information. Tennessee Restaurant Inspection Scores Official inspection score resource linked from TDH public records and environmental health resources. Disease Surveillance Official TDH page for communicable, environmental and infectious disease surveillance information. Tennessee Health Alert Network Official TDH health alert network for public health alerts, updates and advisories. Electronic Public Health Reporting Official TDH resource for electronic public health reporting and reporting system contacts. Tennessee Public Health Dashboards Official TDH dashboards for public health data and statistics.Tennessee Department of Health FAQ: phone, services, records and county offices
What is the Tennessee Department of Health phone number?
TDH lists program-specific phone numbers. For general state routing, the listed State Operator number is 615-741-3011. For vital records, immunizations, WIC, foodborne illness and facility complaints, use the specific official numbers for those services.
What is the Tennessee Department of Health vital records phone number?
TDH lists Vital Records for birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates at 615-685-4700. The Office of Vital Records page also lists separate contacts for registration questions and VRISM technical support.
How do I find my local Tennessee county health department?
Use the official TDH Local Health Departments page. It lists county health departments with addresses, telephone numbers, hours, directors and notes for primary care or dental services where available.
Can I get a Tennessee birth certificate from TDH?
Yes. Tennessee birth certificate services are handled through TDH Vital Records, selected county sites and official online resources. Verify eligibility, ID requirements, fees and the correct request method before applying.
Can I get a Tennessee death certificate from a county health department?
TDH guidance states that death certificates can be requested through the Tennessee Office of Vital Records or the health department in the county where the death occurred. Verify local availability before visiting.
How do I get Tennessee immunization records?
Use TDH immunization record resources and TennIIS. Individuals may request their own TennIIS immunization record, or a child’s record if they are the parent or legal guardian. Local health departments and medical offices with TennIIS access may also help.
What is TennIIS?
TennIIS is Tennessee’s immunization information system. It supports access to immunization records for children and adults and allows authorized users to view immunization histories where records have been reported.
What is the Tennessee school immunization certificate?
An official Tennessee Immunization Certificate is required for child care centers, preschools and schools through grade 12. Certificates are available at local health departments and medical offices with TennIIS access.
What is the Tennessee WIC phone number?
Tennessee WIC can be reached at 1-800-DIAL-WIC (1-800-342-5942). TDH also recommends contacting your local WIC clinic for appointments, applications, card help and benefits questions.
How do I report food poisoning from a Tennessee restaurant?
Use the Tennessee Foodborne Illness Survey or call 800-293-8228. Include the restaurant name, address, date, foods eaten, symptoms and contact information so the local health department can review the report.
Where do I check Tennessee restaurant inspection scores?
Use the official restaurant inspection score resource linked from TDH public records and environmental health resources. Local health departments may also help with restaurant-specific inspection or complaint questions.
Who handles Tennessee septic system permits?
TDH healthy homes guidance says septic system permits can be granted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Check the current official septic guidance before applying.
How do I file a healthcare facility complaint in Tennessee?
TDH lists the Health Care Facilities Complaint Hotline at 877-287-0010. For immediate danger, call 911 first.
How do I verify a Tennessee health professional license?
Use TDH health related boards and the official license verification system. TDH lists Health Related Boards at 615-532-3202 and toll-free 800-778-4123.
How do I request Tennessee Department of Health public records?
Use TDH public records guidance on the official contact page. A request should include enough detail to identify the records, including record type, timeframe, dates, subject matter and keywords.
Can I walk into a Tennessee county health department without an appointment?
It depends on the county and service. Some services may require appointments, documents, eligibility review or specific clinic times. Check your county health department listing before visiting.
Is this the official Tennessee Department of Health website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. For official services, forms, fees, appointments, certificates, inspections, health guidance, complaints or public records, use TN.gov/health or your official county health department page.
Independent guide and official-use disclaimer
This article is an independent guide created to help users understand Tennessee Department of Health services, phone numbers, county health departments, vital records, immunization records, WIC, environmental health, restaurant inspections, foodborne illness reports, healthcare facility complaints, health professional licenses, public records, health data and official links.
It is not the official Tennessee Department of Health website and does not provide medical advice, legal advice, emergency help, benefits decisions, certificate approval, license approval, appointment confirmation or guaranteed office hours. Before visiting, paying, mailing documents, filing a complaint or relying on a deadline, verify details directly with TN.gov/health or the correct county health department.
Bottom line for Tennessee Department of Health services and phone help
For general TDH routing, start with the official TDH contact page or the State Operator at 615-741-3011. For vital records, use TDH Vital Records and 615-685-4700. For immunizations, use TDH immunization resources and 615-741-7247. For WIC, use Tennessee WIC and 1-800-342-5942. For foodborne illness reports, use the official survey or 800-293-8228. For healthcare facility complaints, use 877-287-0010.
For local appointments, WIC clinics, immunizations, inspections, primary care where available, dental services where available and county public health support, use your county health department page. The strongest user path is official first, county office second, exact program third.