Statements
Mission
To provide quality health care, health education and to promote wellness.
Background
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC) is a community-based medical, dental and behavioral health organization that focuses on comprehensive primary care for residents in Davidson, Rutherford, and Montgomery Counties and surrounding Middle Tennessee counties. Physicians, family nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists and behavioral health specialists provide quality affordable care to patients of all ages using a team concept with a comprehensive approach to improved health. The Center is named in honor of Dr. Matthew Walker, Sr., a revered surgeon who practiced at Hubbard Hospital and taught medicine at Meharry Medical College. In the 1960's, Dr. Walker saw a need for a comprehensive health center because the regular clinics and hospitals in Nashville were overcrowded and understaffed. He also was concerned that patients had to go to one health facility for adult medical treatment, but yet another site for pediatric care. Dr. Walker envisioned a health center that would address the needs of the entire family and community, but he faced opposition from local and state government. However, in 1968, Matthew Walker Health Center commenced serving the North Nashville and surrounding communities. The main health center is within close proximity to Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, and Metropolitan Nashville General Hospital, and has had a long standing relationship with with each of these institutions. In addition, health care professionals act as preceptors for Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University students. Additional educational opportunities are offered to other neighboring medical and dental training programs including Vanderbilt School of Nursing, Belmont College School of Pharmacy, and Lipscomb University Behavioral Health program. In the summer of 2018 MWCHC launched an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program in partnership with St. Thomas Health and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Impact
In 2023 Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC) celebrated 55 years of service to Nashville and Middle Tennessee. A committee of community volunteers and staff planned a year of activities that involved entertainment and education for the community. The goal was to increase awareness of the center's history and many accomplishments, and to promote community health centers in general. MWCHC provides several programs to promote the wellness of older adults. The Red and White Affair is a fun event for senior citizens occurring around Valentines Day. The Affair promotes interaction with other seniors, movement, health education and lots of fun. The attendees enjoy live music and participate in other activities. The SALT (Seasoned Adults Living Triumphantly) program is also designed to keep older adults engaged, educated, and informed. Having met virtually and in very small groups during the pandemic, participants now meet in person and are able to communicate with staff and each other to eliminate feelings of isolation and loneliness. The Dr. Matthew Walker, Sr. Legacy Breakfast is an opportunity to pay homage to the man who began the clinic 56years ago and to share the history of MWCHC. Awards and scholarships are given to community leaders and healthcare students who demonstrate some of the attributes of Dr. Walker and the social advocacy of Michelle B. Marrs who was instrumental in building the MWCHC Nashville facility. The Breakfast serves as a major fundraiser. The 2024 Breakfast is scheduled for August 15 at 6:00 p.m. Breakfast for dinner allows for a larger audience. The AEGD (Advance Education in General Dentistry) program is a partnership training program in conjuction with St. Thomas Ascension Health and University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Currently there are 6 residents. The behavioral health program has expanded to address addiction, sexual assault, and other mental health issues. Continuing to promote health services throughout Middle Tennessee, MWCHC utilizes HOWE, the Healthcare on Wheels for Everyone mobile unit to serve growing populations of uninsured and underinsured patients in Clarksville, Smyrna, and Nashville and remote locations. Many people do not have transportation, nor do they have the physical ability to travel far for healthcare. This unique mobile unit provides health, behavioral and dental screenings as well as wellness physicals to families and children in need. The Nashville clinic hosts a Second Harvest approved food bank for patients who are experiencing a lack of nutritional food. The food bank is available to all MWCHC patients.
Needs
MWCHC continues to seek quality employees who have a heart for public service. Because it serves as a training ground for healthcare professionals, MWCHC employees and interns are prepared to work in any health care environment. Private practices or wealthy institutions may offer larger salaries than non-profits; therefore, we are always seeking individuals who have a desire and a passion to serve the underserved. MWCHC is in need of volunteers to assist with the many outreach programs and community events that are provided annually.
CEO Statement
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC) has a proud history of recognizing health care needs within the community and then responding with innovative services. Since it was established in 1968, Matthew Walker has set the pace and established the model for meeting the multiplying health care needs of the growing numbers of medically underserved and uninsured people living in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Matthew Walker was challenged in many ways because of increased diverse needs among the people it serves. True to our heritage, we respond in a variety of ways including new programs, new services, and new collaborations. I commend and thank our staff and our Board for their efforts to continue to make Matthew Walker the provider of choice for over 15,000 individuals.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Health Care - Community Clinics |
| Secondary Category: | Community Improvement, Capacity Building - Business and Industry |
| Tertiary Category: | Mental Health & Crisis Intervention - Addictive Disorders NEC |
Areas Served
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center serves residents of Middle Tennessee with health clinics in Davidson, Montgomery, and Rutherford Counties and their surrounding counties. Last year, the agency served over 15,000 residents from more than 14 Middle Tennessee counties.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Rutherford |
