More than 1,000 patients receive free medical care at event in Nashville, Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – On Saturday, Ascension Saint Thomas hosted a free medical, dental and vision clinic for those in need across the city.

Ascension Saint Thomas partnered with several community organizations to host the Medical Mission at Home event, which serves as a one-stop shop for Nashville’s low-income and uninsured populations to receive a wide variety of free medical services.

“We are committed to serving all people, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable,” said Nancy Anness, nurse practitioner at Ascension Saint Thomas. “We are advocates for a just and compassionate society, and that is why, since 2008, we have started these medical missions, simply to serve those most in need and those who do not have access to medical care.”

The hospital system has served more than 25,000 Tennesseans through its “Medical Mission at Home” events, held several times a year for 16 years. Event organizers said Saturday’s crowd of more than 1,000 was the largest mission in its history.

“We appreciate the fact that we were able to reach people who needed care and that they were able to make it here,” said Greg Pope, mission director for Ascension Saint Thomas.

For those who did not speak English, Ascension Saint Thomas had translation services available in over 30 languages, either over the phone or with an in-person interpreter.

More than 550 volunteers attended the event and offered their respective health and social services.

“We are certainly the Volunteer State,” Anness said. “I call our volunteers ‘missionaries’ because we truly serve those who are uninsured or underinsured. This day is just part of our ministry, mission and structure as an organization, and this is what we do best.”

The Pope said some patients had never been to the doctor before and were discovering their medical conditions for the first time.

After the event, Ascension Saint Thomas provides follow-up care to ensure no one is left behind or lost in their medical journey.

“This is the first step,” Pope said. “They have the opportunity to get an assessment and then we help them find primary care, dental care, behavioral health services, anything they may need and the resources available in the community and through Ascension Saint Thomas.”

To learn more about Ascension Saint Thomas, click here.