Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC) is encouraging Middle Tennesseans to have a healthy summer by participating in a series of events over the summer months. Physicals, dental screenings, and pap smears are being provided at the health clinic free to people who are financially in need or who do not have health insurance. Those with insurance are also encouraged to participate.
“We are excited to offer services and programs that help keep our community healthy,” says MWCHC Chief Executive Officer Katina R. Beard. “Matthew Walker continues to meet the health needs of Middle Tennessee with affordable services and education.”
MWCHC Healthy Days of Summer begins Saturday, June 11 at 10 a.m. with Free Dental Health Day, a community-wide event focusing on oral health for the family.
“Along with dental screenings and cleanings, there will be entertaining activities,” said MWCHC Dental Director, Dr. Robyn Mays. “Children will visit with Timmy the Tooth, learn about good dental hygiene and even have their faces painted.”
Free Dental Health Day will take place at MWCHC’s Nashville facility, located at 1035 – 14th Avenue North, at Jefferson Street. Services are on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up ends at 11:30 a.m. or when all available appointments are filled. Free Dental Health Day is in partnership with the Tennessee State University School of Dental Hygiene and the FDA Office of Minority Health.
Every Friday during June and July, MWCHC will be providing annual physicals, free to those without insurance. Those with insurance should check with their insurance provider to verify that they are eligible for an annual physical at no cost.
“Physicals are recommended at least once a year but especially if you take any kind of medication, are overweight, smoke or have a family history of health issues,” said Dr. I. Michele Williams, MWCHC Chief Medical Officer. “If it’s been more than a year since you’ve had a physical, why not take advantage of this great opportunity?”
Another MWCHC Healthy Days of Summer program is Dial Down Diabetes, on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 10 am – 1 pm through July 21. Those with diabetes or at risk of diabetes can attend free educational classes designed to encourage a healthy diet and exercise while managing this disease. This program also provides networking opportunities with others who are learning to live with diabetes.
During August, MWCHC will be hosting Pap-A-Thon, with free cervical cancer screenings provided at the health centers in Nashville, Smyrna, and Clarksville.
Other upcoming events at MWCHC include a community baby shower for their prenatal patients and new moms, and later in the summer, the annual community pancake breakfast as part of National Health Center Week (August 7-13).
Since 1968, MWCHC has served Middle Tennessee families, providing a comprehensive primary care model of services including pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, dental care, behavioral health, nutrition, along with ancillary services such as radiology, laboratory and pharmacy. MWCHC serves the Middle Tennessee community through three health service sites and an additional social service location. For more information about MWCHC. call 615-340-1292 or visit the website: www.mwchc.org
