Last reviewed 2026. This Memphis health department guide is built around the official Shelby County Health Department website, because the public health department serving Memphis is the county health department headquartered at 814 Jefferson Avenue.
Memphis Public Health Help: Shelby County Health Department Office, Clinics, Records and Service Routing
Most people searching for the Memphis Health Department want one thing fast: the correct phone number, address, clinic, certificate office, immunization line, WIC help, food safety route, or disease-control contact. In Memphis, the official local public health agency is the Shelby County Health Department. Its headquarters is at 814 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105, and the main phone number is 901-222-9000.
Memphis residents often search for “Memphis Health Department,” but the official local agency is Shelby County Health Department. Do not confuse it with the Tennessee Department of Health state office, a hospital clinic, Memphis Health Center, private urgent care, or a health department in another city named Memphis. For public health services in Memphis and Shelby County, start with ShelbyTNHealth.com or the correct Shelby County Health Department program page.
- Official agency
- Shelby County Health Department
- Official website
- https://www.shelbytnhealth.com/
- Headquarters
- 814 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105
- Main phone
- 901-222-9000
- shelbytnhealth@shelbycountytn.gov
- Hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, except official county holidays. Some clinics and vital-record services have narrower service windows.
- Leadership
- Bruce Randolph, MD, MPH, Interim Director and Health Officer. The leadership page also lists Lorrie Brooks, Kasia Smith-Alexander, Joan Carr, and Sonia Thomas in executive roles.
- Best first move
- Use the correct program line before visiting. Immunizations, WIC, sexual health, vital records, TB, dental, and Environmental Health do not all use the same desk.
Quick answer: what the Memphis Health Department can help with
The Memphis Health Department search intent usually points to Shelby County Health Department services. This includes clinical health services, birth and death certificates, immunizations, WIC, breastfeeding support, family planning, dental services, sexual health, HIV testing, TB control, Ryan White services, public health emergency preparedness, disease profiles, mosquito control, food safety inspections, environmental health permits, and health education.
The mistake that wastes the most time is treating “the health department” as one single counter. The headquarters number is useful, but the department is split into programs. A parent needing school shots should not use the same route as a restaurant owner needing a food permit. A person needing a birth certificate should not use the same route as someone needing STI testing. A food truck operator should not go to the same desk as someone trying to get WIC benefits.
Start with headquarters
Use 814 Jefferson Avenue and 901-222-9000 for general Health Department questions. This is the main public health headquarters in Memphis.
Use immunization routing
For vaccination records, the official immunization page says to call 901-222-9331. To make an appointment at a public health clinic, call 901-222-9980.
Use Vital Records
Birth and death certificates are handled by the Shelby County Health Department Office of Vital Records, not by the general clinic desk. Vital Records is in Room 100 at 814 Jefferson Avenue.
Memphis Health Department phone numbers by service
Use this phone table before you call. It is built for the real problem residents face: the main number is easy to find, but the right program line is often what solves the issue faster. Calling the wrong line can still work, but it creates transfers, delays, and sometimes missed service windows.
| Need | Best official phone or route | Use this wording when you call |
|---|---|---|
| General Shelby County Health Department help | 901-222-9000 | “I am in Memphis or Shelby County and need help finding the correct health department program.” |
| Clinical services | 901-222-9601 | “I need clinical services at Shelby County Health Department and want to know the correct clinic or appointment path.” |
| Immunization records | 901-222-9331 | “I need a vaccination record from Tennessee’s online vaccination database if available.” |
| Immunization or WIC public health clinic appointment line | 901-222-9980 | “I need to make a public health clinic appointment for immunizations or WIC.” |
| WIC program information | 901-222-9601; WIC-only appointment line 901-222-9980 | “I need WIC eligibility, benefits, breastfeeding support, or a WIC-only appointment.” |
| Vital Records at 814 Jefferson | 901-222-9693 | “I need a certified Tennessee birth certificate, Shelby County death certificate, paternity appointment, or vital record guidance.” |
| Vital Records East Office | 901-222-9692 | “I want to confirm service at the East Office on Sycamore View before I visit.” |
| Sexual Health Clinic appointments | 901-222-9385 | “I need STI testing, STI treatment, HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, or confidential sexual health services.” |
| STI/HIV lab or physician reporting | 901-222-9410; fax 901-222-9337 | “I am reporting STI or HIV-positive laboratory results as a provider or lab.” |
| Tuberculosis program | 901-222-9664 | “I need TB testing, TB case guidance, TB treatment, or a TB appointment.” |
| Environmental Health and Food Safety | 901-222-9158 | “I need food service permit, food safety, inspection, complaint, pool, tattoo, hotel, or environmental health guidance.” |
| Cawthon Dental Clinic | 901-222-9870 | “I need pediatric or youth dental services at Cawthon Dental Clinic.” |
| Director’s Office or media route | Director’s Office 901-222-9080; Public Information 901-222-9010 | “I need the Director’s Office or a media/public information contact.” |
Calling script that works better
Do not start with a long story. Start with one clean sentence: “I live in Memphis or Shelby County and need help with immunizations, WIC, a birth certificate, a restaurant complaint, STI testing, TB, dental care, or food permit.” Then give your name, phone number, the service you need, and whether you need an appointment, record, permit, complaint route, or test result. Public health staff can route you faster when you name the program first.
Memphis Health Department address, map and visiting tips
The Shelby County Health Department headquarters is located at 814 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. General department hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except official county holidays. However, not every program serves walk-ins during the entire headquarters window. Vital Records, sexual health, TB, WIC, immunizations, and Environmental Health each have their own practical routing and in some cases their own service hours or locations.
Before you drive to Jefferson Avenue
- Confirm whether your service is at 814 Jefferson or another clinic location.
- Bring a government-issued ID for vital records or record requests.
- Bring shot records, school forms, insurance cards, or child documents for immunization visits.
- Do not assume the main building can solve Environmental Health permits or food safety training questions.
- Check whether the service is appointment-only, walk-in, or limited to specific hours.
When 814 Jefferson is probably the right place
- Main Health Department questions.
- Vital Records Room 100 for birth and death certificates.
- Immunization clinic and public health clinic services.
- Sexual Health Clinic Room 102.
- TB Program Room 101 by appointment.
- WIC Downtown clinic services listed by the county.
Public health clinics and Memphis-area service locations
Shelby County Health Department uses public health clinics and partner facilities across the county. This matters because residents may search “health department near me” from Whitehaven, Hickory Hill, Raleigh, Frayser, Cordova, Collierville, Bartlett, Germantown, Millington, or Downtown Memphis and assume every service is at Jefferson Avenue. Some services are centralized, some are offered by appointment at public health clinics, and some are handled at the Sycamore View location.
| Location | Address and phone | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Health Department Headquarters | 814 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105; 901-222-9000 | Main office, public health clinic routing, immunization clinic, vital records, TB, sexual health, WIC Downtown services, and general department contact. |
| Immunization Clinic | 814 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105; 901-222-9980 | Adult and child immunizations, school vaccines, travel shots, shot records, and selected Saturday service hours when listed by the county calendar. |
| Cawthon Public Health Clinic | 1000 Haynes Street, Memphis, TN 38114; 901-222-9980 | Public health clinic services listed in the county facility directory, including WIC, family planning, breastfeeding support, EPSD&T, dental-related access, and immunization-related routing. |
| Cawthon Dental Clinic | 1000 Haynes Street, Memphis, TN 38114; 901-222-9870 | Dental services for children and youth from 1 month through 20 years of age through the county’s dental program. |
| Hickory Hill Public Health Clinic | 6590 Kirby Center Cove, Memphis, TN 38118 | WIC clinic location listed by the county. Confirm current appointment requirements before visiting. |
| Millington Public Health Clinic | 8225 Highway 51 North, Millington, TN 38053 | WIC clinic location listed by the county. The county WIC page lists Tuesday-Thursday service hours; confirm before traveling. |
| Shelby Crossing Public Health Clinic | 1826 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134 | WIC clinic location and East Office area. Environmental Health and Food Safety is also at 1826 Sycamore View Road. |
| Environmental Health and Food Safety | 1826 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134; 901-222-9158 | Food service permits, mobile food units, temporary food events, plan reviews, complaints, pools, tattoo and body piercing establishments, hotels, laundry facilities, and related inspections. |
| TennCare Presumptive Prenatal Medicaid Program | 842 Jefferson Avenue, Adams Pavilion 4th Floor, Memphis, TN 38105; 901-545-8722 | Presumptive prenatal Medicaid route. The official directory notes this office is not inside the Health Department building and is across the street. |
Clinic pages and facility listings can change faster than a directory article. Before you take time off work, arrange transportation, or bring children across town, verify the exact service location and appointment requirement on the official Public Health Clinics page or by calling the relevant program line.
Immunizations, school shots, MMR and shot records
The official immunization page explains that Shelby County Health Department supports preventive health through vaccine outreach, education, perinatal hepatitis B case management, monitoring of childhood vaccine coverage, and coordination with the federal Vaccines for Children program. The practical takeaway for parents is simple: if your child needs Tennessee school-entry vaccines, a shot record, or a catch-up appointment, start with the immunization program instead of the general desk.
For vaccination records, call 901-222-9331 Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. The department can provide immunization records on request if the data is available in Tennessee’s online vaccination database. For public health clinic appointments that can provide needed vaccinations, call 901-222-9980.
For school and childcare
- Bring the child’s existing shot record.
- Bring school, daycare, or enrollment forms.
- Ask whether a Tennessee certificate or official record is needed.
- Do not wait until the final week before school starts.
- Ask whether the child can receive all needed vaccines in one visit or if timing rules require multiple visits.
For measles and MMR
- Use the official Measles page for current Shelby County information.
- The county’s measles guidance says the measles vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
- Check MMR status before assuming you need another dose.
- Call before visiting if you believe you were exposed or have symptoms.
School vaccine checklist for Memphis families
- Pull old records first. Check pediatrician records, pharmacy records, previous school documents, and Tennessee immunization records if available.
- Call the right line. For vaccination records, use 901-222-9331. For clinic appointments, use 901-222-9980.
- Bring every form. Bring school entry paperwork, daycare forms, sports forms, and any notice from the school nurse.
- Ask about Tennessee requirements. Kindergarten, 7th grade, new school enrollment, childcare, and college requirements are not identical.
- Keep the final copy. After the visit, store a clear photo and paper copy of the updated record.
WIC and breastfeeding support in Memphis and Shelby County
WIC is one of the most searched Memphis health department services. The Shelby County WIC page says WIC participants should call the Public Health Clinic Information and Appointment line at 901-222-9980 to make WIC-only appointments for clinic sites. The official staff directory also lists WIC at 814 Jefferson Avenue with phone 901-222-9601. Use 901-222-9980 when you are specifically scheduling WIC-only services.
WIC serves pregnant women, breastfeeding women, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants, toddlers, and children up to age five who meet nutrition-risk and income requirements. The county page explains that WIC provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health, welfare, and community services. It also notes that Tennessee eWIC uses an electronic benefit card rather than paper vouchers.
| WIC question | Best next step | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| I need a WIC appointment | Call 901-222-9980 for WIC-only appointments at clinic sites. | Name, phone, pregnancy or child details, preferred clinic location, and whether you are a new or returning customer. |
| Am I eligible? | Review the official WIC page and ask about income guidelines or adjunctive eligibility. | Proof of income or proof of SNAP, TANF/Families First, or TennCare if applicable. |
| What documents should I bring? | Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of household income, and child or pregnancy records. | Driver’s license, shot record, birth certificate, utility bill, rent or mortgage receipt, benefit letter, paycheck stubs, or other accepted proof. |
| Where are WIC clinics? | Check the official WIC page and clinic finder before visiting. | Confirm whether you need Cawthon, Hickory Hill, Millington, Shelby Crossing, or Downtown WIC services. |
Birth and death certificates at the Memphis Health Department
Unlike some county health departments where vital records are handled by a separate clerk, Shelby County Health Department does provide birth and death certificate services through the Office of Vital Records. The main Vital Records location is 814 Jefferson Avenue, Room 100, Memphis, TN 38105. The Vital Records phone number is 901-222-9693. The East Office is at 1826 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134, with phone 901-222-9692.
The official page says the office provides certified copies of birth and death records. It also warns that older records may require Tennessee Department of Health Office of Vital Records routing. The Shelby County page lists long-form birth certificates, death certificates, cremation permits, applications, and voluntary paternity appointments.
| Vital record item | Official 2026 fee or detail | Practical warning |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | $15.00 | Who can request a death certificate can depend on relationship, legal authority, and whether cause of death is included. |
| Long-form birth certificate | $15.00 | The county page says long-form birth certificates are the certificate offered. Bring valid government-issued identification. |
| Additional birth or death copies | $15.00 each | Order the number of copies you actually need for school, passport, benefits, probate, insurance, or employer paperwork. |
| Payment | Cash and most credit or debit cards accepted; American Express not accepted; personal checks not accepted. | Do not arrive assuming a personal check or American Express will work. |
| Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity | Handled by appointment only at 814 Jefferson; call 901-222-9693. | Do not walk in expecting paternity paperwork to be handled without an appointment. |
| Cremation permits | Can be picked up Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, after a Vital Records representative calls the funeral home. | Funeral homes should follow the permit workflow rather than sending someone before the permit is ready. |
The official page notes that newborn birth certificates may not be available for approximately 45 days after the office receives the original certificate from the hospital or birthing facility. If parents need a passport for a newborn, do not build travel plans around same-week certificate issuance.
Sexual Health Clinic, STI testing, HIV testing, PrEP and PEP
The Shelby County Health Department Sexual Health Program serves adults and individuals ages 13 and up. The program lists STI testing, STI treatment, HIV testing, HIV counseling, free condoms, HIV Early Intervention Services, HIV Medical Case Management, LGBTQ-friendly services, PrEP, PEP, and sexual education materials. The Sexual Health Clinic is at 814 Jefferson Avenue, Room 102, Memphis, TN 38105.
To schedule STI testing, call 901-222-9385. Service hours listed by the official page are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-11:30 AM and 1:00 PM-3:00 PM. For uninsured patients, the official page lists a $10 cost for office visit, testing, and treatment, payable by cash, debit, or credit cards, with American Express not accepted. HIV testing is listed as always free of charge.
Use this clinic when you need
- STI testing or treatment.
- Free HIV testing.
- PrEP or PEP guidance.
- Confidential sexual health counseling.
- HIV Early Intervention or Medical Case Management services.
Use provider reporting when you need
- STI or HIV-positive laboratory reporting.
- Provider disease reporting route.
- Telephone reporting at 901-222-9410.
- Fax reporting at 901-222-9337.
- Timely reporting to support local public health follow-up.
Tuberculosis, disease profiles, measles and public health alerts
The Tuberculosis Control and Elimination Program is located at 814 Jefferson Avenue, Room 101, Memphis, TN 38105. The phone number is 901-222-9664. The official TB page says services are by appointment only, and it describes TB control as a public health program focused on locating TB suspects, finding cases, identifying contacts, diagnosing TB infection, and providing follow-up clinical services.
For measles, use the official Measles page. For broader disease information, use the Disease Profiles page. For recent mosquito control, West Nile virus, groundwater meetings, community health assessment updates, and other current public notices, use the official community news and calendar sections on ShelbyTNHealth.com.
If you have a life-threatening emergency, severe allergic reaction, severe breathing trouble, serious wound, overdose, severe illness, suspected emergency exposure, or immediate safety risk, call 911 or seek emergency care. Do not wait for a routine public health office response.
Environmental Health and Food Safety in Memphis
Environmental Health and Food Safety is one of the most important Memphis health department divisions for business owners and residents. The official Environmental Health and Food Safety Program page says the program promotes safe food service practices, issues permits for food service establishments, and handles activities that strengthen regulation, educate workers and consumers, and respond to foodborne illness outbreaks, complaints, and food-related emergencies.
The Environmental Health and Food Safety Program is located at 1826 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134. The phone number is 901-222-9158, and the fax is 901-222-9177. The official page lists program hours and permit office hours as Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
| Environmental Health need | Use this program | Before you call or visit |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant, food truck, farmers market, temporary event food vendor, retail food service | Environmental Health and Food Safety | Have the business name, address, permit type, event date, menu, and plan-review question ready. |
| Foodborne illness or restaurant complaint | Complaint investigation route | Write the establishment name, address, date, time, food eaten, symptoms, and whether others were ill. |
| Pool, hotel, motel, organized camp, trailer court, tattoo or body piercing establishment | Non-food inspection route | Know the facility name, address, owner or manager if known, and the exact safety or sanitation concern. |
| Food handler training | 2026 food handlers training classes | Check the official 2026 training class page for dates and location before showing up. |
| Grocery store, gas station, or convenience store food issue | Tennessee Department of Agriculture food safety route may apply | The county page points consumers to Tennessee Department of Agriculture for certain grocery and convenience store inspections. |
Food business owner checklist
- Identify the permit type. Restaurant, mobile food unit, temporary event, farmers market, and retail food service can have different requirements.
- Use the official Environmental Health page. Do not copy requirements from another Tennessee county or another state.
- Call before build-out. A plan review problem is cheaper to fix before equipment, plumbing, and layout are finalized.
- Prepare for inspection. Keep your permit, menu, food sources, temperature control, employee practices, and sanitation plan ready.
- Track training dates. If training is required or useful for your operation, verify current 2026 training dates at the official page.
Dental services, family health, Ryan White and other programs
The Shelby County Health Department is more than immunizations and certificates. Its site lists dental services, family planning, WIC, breastfeeding support, commodity supplemental food program, Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program, TennCare Presumptive Prenatal Medicaid Program, Ryan White services, Senior Food Program, TB, Sexual Health, and other public health programs.
Cawthon Dental Clinic
The official dental page says Cawthon Dental Clinic provides dental clinical services to children 1 month through 20 years of age. The clinic is at 1000 Haynes Street, Memphis, TN 38114, and the phone is 901-222-9870.
Ryan White care and services
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides HIV-related health services for eligible people who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources for care.
Healthy Shelby and population health
The Population Health Bureau provides education, resources, and navigation for topics such as chronic disease, healthy eating, tobacco prevention, physical activity, and community health.
Memphis and Shelby County service area
The Shelby County Health Department serves the public health needs of people living, working, studying, and receiving services across Memphis and Shelby County. That includes Downtown Memphis, Midtown, Medical District, Frayser, Raleigh, Berclair, East Memphis, Hickory Hill, Whitehaven, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Lakeland, Arlington, Millington, and nearby unincorporated Shelby County areas. Eligibility can depend on the service, age, income, residency, pregnancy status, insurance, disease exposure, school requirement, or business location.
What the Memphis Health Department does not handle
A helpful health department guide should stop wrong turns. Here are the common mistakes to avoid.
| If you need | Do not assume | Better route |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical care | The health department is an emergency room. | Call 911 or seek emergency care. |
| Primary care doctor or hospital records | The county health department holds private provider records. | Contact the doctor, hospital, clinic, or pharmacy that created the record. |
| Marriage certificates or divorce records | The birth and death certificate office covers every civil record. | Use the correct Shelby County or Tennessee record office for that record type. |
| Building permits only | Food safety or Environmental Health handles every construction permit. | Use the correct local building or code office, and contact Environmental Health only when the project involves regulated health issues. |
| A health department in another Memphis | This page applies outside Tennessee. | Use the official health department for your state, county, or city. |
Official Shelby County Health Department links
Use these official links for final verification before visiting, paying a fee, reporting a complaint, making an appointment, relying on a service hour, or submitting documents.
Main pages
Clinical health
Disease and sexual health
Environmental health
Care access
News and alerts
Memphis Health Department FAQ
What is the Memphis Health Department phone number?
The main phone number for the public health department serving Memphis is 901-222-9000. The official agency name is Shelby County Health Department. Program-specific numbers include 901-222-9980 for public health clinic appointments, 901-222-9331 for immunization records, 901-222-9693 for Vital Records, 901-222-9385 for the Sexual Health Clinic, 901-222-9664 for TB, and 901-222-9158 for Environmental Health and Food Safety.
Where is the Memphis Health Department located?
The Shelby County Health Department headquarters is at 814 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105. Some services are at other locations, including Environmental Health and Food Safety at 1826 Sycamore View Road and Cawthon Dental Clinic at 1000 Haynes Street.
What are the Shelby County Health Department hours?
The general headquarters hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except official county holidays. Some service windows are narrower. For example, Vital Records is listed as Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the Sexual Health Clinic lists service hours as 8:00 AM-11:30 AM and 1:00 PM-3:00 PM.
Is Memphis Health Department the same as Shelby County Health Department?
For most local public health searches in Memphis, yes. The official public health department serving Memphis is Shelby County Health Department. Its official website is ShelbyTNHealth.com.
How do I get a birth certificate in Memphis?
Use the Shelby County Health Department Office of Vital Records at 814 Jefferson Avenue, Room 100, or verify the East Office at 1826 Sycamore View Road. The Vital Records phone number at 814 Jefferson is 901-222-9693. The East Office phone is 901-222-9692.
How much is a birth or death certificate in Shelby County?
The official Vital Records page lists $15.00 for a death certificate, $15.00 for a long-form birth certificate, and $15.00 for each additional birth or death copy. Cash and most credit or debit cards are accepted, but American Express and personal checks are not accepted.
How do I get immunization records in Memphis?
Call the Immunization Program at 901-222-9331 Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. The department can provide immunization records on request if the data is available in Tennessee’s online vaccination database.
How do I make an appointment for shots or WIC?
For public health clinic appointments, call 901-222-9980. The official WIC page also says WIC participants should call 901-222-9980 to make WIC-only appointments for clinic sites.
Where is the Sexual Health Clinic in Memphis?
The Sexual Health Clinic is at 814 Jefferson Avenue, Room 102, Memphis, TN 38105. To schedule STI testing, call 901-222-9385. The clinic page lists service hours as Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-11:30 AM and 1:00 PM-3:00 PM.
Is HIV testing free at the Shelby County Health Department?
The official Sexual Health Program page states that HIV testing is always provided free of charge. For appointment routing, call the Sexual Health Clinic at 901-222-9385 or use the official Free HIV Testing page.
Who handles restaurant complaints in Memphis?
Restaurant, food service, food truck, temporary event, and foodborne illness complaint questions generally route through Environmental Health and Food Safety at 1826 Sycamore View Road. The program phone number is 901-222-9158.
Where is Environmental Health and Food Safety located?
Environmental Health and Food Safety is located at 1826 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134. The phone number is 901-222-9158, and the fax is 901-222-9177. The official page lists hours and permit office hours as Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
Does the Memphis Health Department offer dental services?
Yes. The Shelby County Health Department dental page lists Cawthon Dental Clinic at 1000 Haynes Street, Memphis, TN 38114. The program provides dental clinical services to children from 1 month through 20 years of age. The clinic phone is 901-222-9870.
Who is the Shelby County Health Department Director?
The official leadership page lists Bruce Randolph, MD, MPH as Interim Director and Health Officer. It also lists executive leadership including Lorrie Brooks, Kasia Smith-Alexander, Joan Carr, and Sonia Thomas.
What should I do in a health emergency?
Call 911 or seek emergency care for life-threatening situations, severe breathing trouble, serious allergic reaction, overdose, severe injury, or immediate safety risk. Do not wait for a routine health department office response.