Blake Farmer

Latest Stories (109)

As hospitals increasingly close in rural areas, communities consider a hybrid health center model

Mar 28, 2018
Without enough patients with health insurance, hospitals are closing in rural parts of the country. Some communities have turned to hybrid health centers — shy of a hospital but more than a clinic — to try to meet their community's health needs.
A sign lets Lewis County residents know the hours and offerings. Another sign on the building instructs patients to call 911 if the facility is closed for the night. 
Blake Farmer/ for Marketplace

Inpatient care could end at Nashville's safety net hospital

Jan 3, 2018
Nashville Mayor Megan Berry has proposed ending the inpatient unit of Nashville General Hospital and rethinking the city's role in caring for the uninsured.
The daily census at Nashville General Hospital is down to fewer than 40 patients, making it one of the least busy hospitals in town. But advocates for the uninsured say that's still 40 patients who are getting care that might have trouble finding it elsewhere.
Blake Farmer/ for Marketplace.

Amid urbanization and expense, hunting declines as a hobby

Aug 1, 2017
Fewer Americans are hunting as a hobby, but those that are still hunting, are spending more money doing it.
Leith Konyndyk kneels with his son's first turkey, which they took home to clean and turn into barbecue.
Blake Farmer/for Marketplace

Opioid epidemic inspires startup to help mothers with drug addiction

Jan 9, 2017
Babies born addicted to opioids require expensive hospital stays. One Tennessee company is trying to cut those costs.
The "recovery services" sign at an addiction center in East Tennessee. 
Blake Farmer

Ireland invests in US St. Patrick's celebrations

Mar 17, 2016
The country has turned St. Patrick's Day into a worldwide branding campaign.
During the first Music City Irish Festival in 2015, 10,000 people showed up for the free street fair. 
Courtesy, Music City Irish Fest

Car 'vending machine' built to save on delivery costs

Dec 4, 2015
Carvana official says retail location in Nashville is more than a gimmick.

Nashville: luring more than young musicians these days

Nov 5, 2015
In the last four years, Nashville has grown by more than it did in the prior decade.

Un-boot camp for women exiting the military

Oct 20, 2015
The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans remains higher for women than men.

For Chattanooga, Volkswagen emmissions news is local

Oct 9, 2015
VW brought more than the 1,500 jobs and a billion dollar plant to town.

Study questions value of Tennessee preschool program

Oct 7, 2015
Old-school academics could explain lagging students. Critics say report is flawed.