University of Tennessee One Health Initiative

Uniting disciplines to protect and promote the health of all life on Earth.

The One Health concept recognizes that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment are inextricably linked, with the health of one affecting the health of all. Issues must be addressed cohesively instead of independently.

This convergence approach is essential considering that approximately 70% of emerging infectious disease cases in humans and livestock are a consequence of spillover events from wildlife. Similarly, humans play a role in animal disease emergence by facilitating global transfer of infectious agents, altering landscape conditions, and adding environmental disturbances. Losses due to plant diseases can reduce global agricultural productivity by up to 40% for the five major food crops, thus undermining our ability to safeguard national and global food security. In response, state, national, and international governmental agencies have initiated programs directed at developing One Health solutions to address the rapidly emerging national and global health challenges that we face.

The UT One Health Initiative is a system-wide network of faculty and students seeking to address complex health issues around the globe through interdisciplinary collaboration. We promote One Health at UT and beyond through research, outreach, and education—check out some of our programs below, and join our mailing list to stay in the loop!

Global Partnerships


Upcoming Seminar

Dr. Derrick Stowell is a lecturer in the Dept. of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee (UT). He has over 25 years of experience leading recreational and therapeutic programs. In this session, he will discuss the importance of mental health and how an active and healthy recreation lifestyle can help us in maintaining and improving our mental health.

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OHI News
Dr. Deb Miller, OHI Director
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