Deer Lodge, TN

The Coalition conducted one of its first health fairs in Deer Lodge in 1970. The town had been founded in the 19th century by wealthy White families as a mountain resort, but by the mid-20th century was only sparsely populated and remotely located. Poor access to health care drew the Coalition students to organize with community leaders around issues of health. Findings from the early health fair helped to justify the eventual building of a clinic in Deer Lodge. The town is located in Morgan County in the Cumberland Mountains, not far from the site of Brushy Mountain State Prison, since repurposed as a distillery.

See the 1970 SHC Annual Report for more information.


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Related Stories:

Carolyn Burr on Rick Davidson’s mentorship

Carolyn Burr describes her work at the SHC health fairs in Smithville, White Oak, Briceville, and Deer Lodge from 1970-1971. She explains the nature of nursing students’ role in conducting physical exams and providing follow-up care, their skills having been… Continued

The community worker’s role in supporting health fairs

Dick Burr delves into more detail about the community worker’s role with the Student Health Coalition, namely as it relates to the operation and success of health fairs.   Full footage of Dick Burr’s interview from March 25th, 2021. Continued

Related Resources/Links:

Deborah Cogswell Photograph Album, Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill

Photograph album compiled by Deborah Cogswell, circa 1971, with images from her time with the Student Health Coalition. The images document her experiences in several Appalachian communities, including: White Oak, Briceville, Sneedville, Cosby and Deer Lodge, Tenn., and Grethel (Floyd… Continued