Nashville General Hospital (NGH), Middle Tennessee’s public safety-net hospital, in conjunction with the Nashville General Hospital Foundation, has announced the creation of the All-Weather Wellness Fund.

The All-Weather Wellness Fund was born from a simple yet profound realization: many patients arrive at NGH lacking essential items such as clothing and footwear. The fund provides critical resources like new shoes, coats, t-shirts, hats, gloves, and sweatshirts, ensuring patients can face any season with dignity and comfort.

“We believe that healthcare extends beyond medical treatment. It’s about providing comfort, dignity, and hope to those in need,” said Dr. Joseph Webb, NGH CEO. “The All-Weather Wellness Fund embodies this philosophy by addressing the basic needs of our most vulnerable patients.”

Nashville General is the only middle Tennessee hospital that provides services to all Nashvillians, regardless of the ability to pay. Our uninsured and unhoused patients come from challenging backgrounds and lack basic necessities. They may arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs, which sometimes need to be replaced due to medical procedures. The All-Weather Wellness Fund ensures that these patients leave the hospital with their health restored and their dignity intact.

“When you give a patient a brand-new T-shirt, pair of shorts, or shoes and they see the price tag, it makes them feel like they are worth something and they are somebody,” said Lillian Medina, director of case management and social services, NGH. “For many, this is the first new item they have gotten in a while. They feel special and unique.”

Donations will be accepted through October 31 ^and can be dropped at collection bins located at NGH as well as the various area churches associated with the Congregational Health and Education Network (CHEN.) Items donated must be new. Monetary contributions are also accepted.