Get up to speed on Nashville’s health

Program Spotlight: Heart of Nashville – Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center

NashvilleHealth and the Nashville Wellness Collaborative’s “Heart of Nashville” project, funded through the Metro Nashville Public Health Department, creates the city’s first Wellness Opportunity Zone in North Nashville. The passionate team behind this project is dedicated to reducing high blood…

Program Spotlight: Heart of Nashville – The Nashville Food Project

NashvilleHealth and the Nashville Wellness Collaborative’s “Heart of Nashville” project, funded through the Metro Nashville Public Health Department, creates the city’s first Wellness Opportunity Zone in North Nashville. The passionate team behind this project is dedicated to reducing high blood…

Hotter Days and Changing Climate: Impacting a Thriving Nashville

The final event panel of this year’s Synergizing Wellness + Prosperity event, Hotter Days and Changing Climate: Impacting a Thriving Nashville, broadened the discussion to examine how climate change can impact Nashville’s health. The conversation delved into the effects of…

Determinants of Health: Anchoring Our Residents and Communities

The second panel of this year’s Synergizing Wellness + Prosperity event, Determinants of Health: Anchoring Our Residents and Communities, discussed strategies for anchoring Nashville’s residents and communities to promote a thriving future.  Panelists agreed that achieving competitive wages, affordable housing,…

Workforce Wellness: Health of Nashville’s Workforce 

The opening panel of this year's Synergizing Wellness + Prosperity event, Workforce Wellness: Health of Nashville’s Workforce (Healthcare, Hospitality, Entertainment & Leisure) explored how healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, and leisure are all interconnected by their shared commitment to the well-being of...

Collaborating for Change: Key Takeaways from NashvilleHealth’s Synergizing Wellness + Prosperity Event

In October, NashvilleHealth hosted a collaborative day of discussions at Soho House, bringing together the city’s leaders across the healthcare, government, and business sectors to tackle Nashville’s most pressing health, economic, and environmental challenges. The Synergizing Wellness + Prosperity event…

The Tennessean: Nashville leaders are collaborating more than before to boost residents’ health and wealth

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management Nashville and NashvilleHealth will co-host an event Oct. 24 about better understanding and improving Nashville’s community health profile. Raj Patnaik and Mark Yancy, Guest columnists for The Tennessean Nashville is growing. The signs are undeniable….

NashvilleHealth and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Unveil Workforce Wellness Report to Help Solidify Nashville’s Economic Vitality

A detailed new “Workforce Wellness Report” identifies critical issues that are affecting Nashville’s workforce and organizational wellness and provides insights for how to resolve them to sustain Nashville’s long-term economic prosperity as the city grows.  The report, developed by NashvilleHealth…

Understanding the Heat Index in Nashville as the Summer Approaches

Current data is projecting that the summer of 2024 may be one of the hottest summers on record. Metro Nashville has put together a comprehensive website that discusses the dangers of heat, specifically in Nashville and what to look out…

Trailblazing Partnership Aims to Reduce High Blood Pressure in Communities Across Nashville and Beyond

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 22, 2024) — NashvilleHealth along with its group of community partners, the Nashville Wellness Collaborative, today announced their new program, “Heart of Nashville”, which will create Nashville’s first ever Wellness Opportunity Zone. This transformative program is dedicated…

July Newsletter: Tracking Nashville’s Progress on Crisis Preparedness

Health Equity Coalition We had another great gathering of the Health Equity Coalition.  The Coalition proves that anything is possible when leaders across the business, nonprofit, and health sectors work together. Watch the recap video to hear how our partners are using their resources…

June Newsletter: NashvilleHealth project named as Finalist for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Prize

We are excited to announce a signature NashvilleHealth project is a finalist for a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize. The project, developed by our Health Equity Coalition, focuses on North Nashville’s battle with high blood pressure by collaborating to give ALL Nashvillians an opportunity to be…

North Nashville, TN Selected as Finalist for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize

NASHVILLE—North Nashville was chosen as a finalist for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize. As a 2023 finalist, North Nashville is one step closer to the national Prize, which celebrates communities at the forefront of advancing…

Partner Spotlight: Q & A with The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee

The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee shares how they are working to create a world where people and nature can thrive by addressing the climate crisis. Q: What is your organization’s mission? The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee: To conserve the lands…

May Newsletter: Wellness Week a Big Success for our MNPS students!

MNPS & NashvilleHealth Wellness Week 2023 This year’s Wellness Week was a big success for our Metro Nashville students. Each day throughout the week of May 8-12 focused on a different theme that allowed them to learn about and practice healthy lifestyles.We are hopeful…

Partner Spotlight: Q & A with The Metro Nashville Public School Office of School Health 

The Metro Nashville Public School Office of School Health shares how they’re providing access to health and wellness resources for Nashville students. Q: What is your organization’s mission? MNPS Office of School Health: The MNPS Office of School Health believes…

April Newsletter: Joining Forces to Combat the Silent Killer

Joining Forces to Combat the ‘Silent Killer’ North Nashville is a disparity hotspot for high blood pressure (hypertension), also known as ‘the silent killer.’  While preventable with diet and exercise, many people don’t realize they have hypertension until it leads to deadly chronic illnesses…

Partner Spotlight: Q & A with The Housing Fund

Marshall Crawford, Jr., the President & CEO of The Housing Fund shares how they’re providing healthy housing opportunities for families and individuals in Middle Tennessee. Q  What is your organization’s mission? Crawford: The Housing Fund provides resources and creative leadership…

Partner Spotlight: Q & A with Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee

Jessica Dauphin, the President & CEO of the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee shares how they’re raising awareness and support for funding regional multimodal transit. Q: What is your organization’s mission? Dauphin: The mission of the Transit Alliance of Middle…

February Newsletter: Let’s Put Health Equity at the Forefront

Reflecting on Black History Month This Black History Month our CEO Mark Yancy and Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center CEO Katina Beard are reflecting on the past struggles and achievements of the Civil Rights Movement and the many lessons learned through this deep history to…

Partner Spotlight: Q & A with American Heart Association Nashville

Annie Thornhill, the Executive Director of American Heart Association, Nashville shares how they’re prioritizing health issues to close the gap in Nashville’s Health Disparities. Q: What is your organization’s mission? To be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. Q:…

Health challenges facing Black Nashvillians requires a push for equity | Opinion

This column appeared in The Tennessean on February 13, 2023. By: Katina Beard, CEO of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, and Mark Yancy, CEO of NashvilleHealth Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past struggles and achievements…

Partner Spotlight: Q & A with The Belmont Data Collaborative

The Belmont Data Collaborative’s Executive Director Charlie H. Apigian, PhD. shares how it they are using data to tackle health disparities, human trafficking, and behavioral health. Q: What is your organization’s mission? Apigian: “The Belmont Data Collaborative’s mission is to…

2022 Year in Review + Looking Ahead to 2023

2022 in Review  Winter Covid Response Review NashvilleHealth released a first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of lessons learned from Nashville’s city-wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring White House COVID-19 Summit NashvilleHealth attended a summit in Washington, D.C. to review the nation’s response to the COVID-19…

Mark Yancy, NashvilleHealth CEO, on Building a Value Proposition for Health Equity

NashvilleHealth CEO Mark Yancy sat down for the ‘A Second Opinion with Senator Bill Frist, M.D.’ Podcast

Partner Spotlight: Q & A with The Nashville Food Project

The Nashville Food Project’s Chief Executive Officer C.J. Sentell shares why food and nutrition are critical components of health equity. Q: What is your organization’s mission? And, why are food and nutrition access critical components of health equity? Sentell: “The…

NashvilleHealth to Tackle Health Challenges Impacting Black Families

$100,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare and Meharry Medical College will help bridge public health and the Black community following pandemic hardships NASHVILLE – A new NashvilleHealth program will create public health pathways to Nashville’s Black communities to address deep-rooted health disparities…

Food is Medicine

Senator Bill Frist, M.D. Represents NashvilleHealth at White House Nutrition Conference As the founder of NashvilleHealth, Sen. Bill Frist, M.D. represented our organization at a historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This is the first conference of its kind in more than 50…

Don’t Delay! Encourage Metro Council to Pass Smoke-free Ordinance

There’s Still Time…to Encourage Metro Council Members to Pass the Smoke-Free Ordinance! NashvilleHealth is urging Metro Council to pass the smoke-free ordinance to protect workers in 21+ venues from dangerous exposure to secondhand smoke. Our musicians, bartenders, & other hospitality…

Nashville has Unacceptable Infant and Maternal Mortality Rates

Infant and maternal mortality rates have been on the rise in the U.S. since 2018. These rates have increased across all races and ethnicities; however, recent data reveal that Black and Brown mothers and babies are much more likely to…

Davidson County Shows Room for Improvement in New Health Rankings

U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Healthiest Communities rankings show large disparities between Davidson County and neighboring Williamson County, as well as sister cities across the country. The rankings examine 3,000 U.S. counties and county equivalents on how they perform…

NashvilleHealth Focuses on Health Equity

Focusing on Health Equity  We were thrilled to have so many great organizations and thought leaders in one room talking about the importance of Health Equity and looking for solutions to Nashville’s health disparities. At NashvilleHealth, we focus on Health Equity and removing…

Belmont Data Collaborative launches Online Data Platform; partners with NashvilleHealth, HCA and others on new project

By: Nashville Business Journal When Charlie Apigian heard that Belmont University was building a data collaborative, he wanted to help. “I thought I was advising them on how to do it. Not that I was going to take it over,”…

Partner Spotlight: Musicians for a Smokefree Tennessee

As a musician who also battles asthma, being able to breathe freely is crucial to Jamie Kent’s work and way of life. On and off the stage, Kent uses his voice to advocate for smoke free and vape free environments…

MNPS & NashvilleHealth’s Wellness Week 2022 Helps Children Establish Healthy Habits Early

Metro Nashville students learned about and practiced healthy lifestyles throughout the week of May 9-13 with the help of teachers around the county and community partners. Wellness Week proved to be a great success with students of all ages learning…

Summit on Strengthening the Nation’s Early Warning System for Health Threats: A Meeting Summary

By: The White House On April 19, 2022, the White House hosted the Summit on Strengthening the Nation’s Early Warning System for Health Threats in support of the launch of the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics (CFA). The launch…

May 3, 2022 Newsletter: NashvilleHealth Featured in White House Summit

NashvilleHealth in the News Featured in White House Summit NashvilleHealth was honored to participate in the White House Summit for Strengthening the Nation’s Early Warning System for Health Threats in support of the launch of the CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics. Because Nashville is the first…

NashvilleHealth and MNPS Partner for Wellness Week 2022

NashvilleHealth is excited to partner with Metro Nashville Public Schools to present Wellness Week 2022, May 9-13. Students will learn about and practice healthy lifestyles throughout the week with the help of teachers around the county and community partners. Themes…

NashvilleHealth, White House Look to Next Pandemic

By: Nashville Post On Tuesday, the White House launched the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics, a new center under the umbrella of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — likened to a National Weather Service for infectious diseases….

Trees And Public Health: Q&A With NashvilleHealth’s Mark Yancy

By: Root Nashville Did you know that the nonprofit NashvilleHealth chairs the Root Nashville campaign’s advisory board? How is public health connected to the environment and trees, anyway? Meet NashvilleHealth’s new CEO Mark Yancy and learn more in this Q&A….

Healthcare Leader Mark Yancy Named Chief Executive Officer of NashvilleHealth

Yancy brings 15 years of experience in healthcare focusing on the underserved NASHVILLE – Mark Yancy is the new Chief Executive Officer of NashvilleHealth, a nonprofit dedicated to improving health outcomes across the city. The Memphis native brings experience in…

Nashville Leaders Offer Lessons Learned from COVID-19 and Recommendations for Future Health Emergencies

NASHVILLE– Today, NashvilleHealth, in partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Health Care Council, and Meharry Medical College Center for the Study of the Social Determinants of Health, is releasing a first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of lessons learned from…

Nashville Launches COVID-19 Response Review

NASHVILLE – NashvilleHealth, in partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Health Care Council, and Meharry Medical College Center for the Study of the Social Determinants of Health, is launching the Nashville COVID-19 Response Review, a forward-thinking look…

Nashville Is The Health Services Capital – Here’s Why This Explosively Growing Region Is More Than Music City USA

Bill Frist, Contributor Forbes Why is Nashville considered the health services capital of the United States? Because Middle Tennessee is a health ecosystem like no other. Nashville by far has greater reach and touches more patients through health service delivery…

#OurShotNash,#NuestraVacunaNash Campaign to Encourage Vaccinations

Initiative will help promote vaccine acceptance throughout Davidson County NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With COVID vaccines now available to all Nashvillians over the age of 16, NashvilleHealth has joined with community leaders to launch #OurShotNash or #NuestraVacunaNash to encourage citizens to…

Supply, Partnerships Key to Successful Vaccine Rollout

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – During a recent All In: Conversations on Health event, Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, M.D. and Metro Nashville Board of Health Chair Alex Jahangir, M.D. joined NashvilleHealth Chairman Bill Frist, M.D. to discuss the initial…

NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins: Connecting The Dots From The Human Genome Project To The COVID-19 Vaccine

Bill Frist, Contributor Forbes, January 20, 2021 On the most recent episode of A Second Opinion podcast, I asked Dr. Francis Collins if we were going to be prepared for the next pandemic. “Senator, I sure hope so! This has…

Reflecting on 2020

Collaborating for Better Health

Series on Health Equity Seeks Solutions to Eliminate Disparities     NashvilleHealth is partnering with the Nashville Health Care Council to present “Conversations on Health Equity and Action to Eliminate Disparities,” a three-part series exploring racial inequities in health care and solutions to…

COVID-19 Amplifies Nashville Disparities

In this Issue:– COVID-19 Amplifies Nashville Disparities  – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – Welcoming Dr. Michael Caldwell– Partner News COVID-19 Amplifies Nashville Disparities  “The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates to us that we can’t do this alone … we do better when we all work…

COVID-19 and Vulnerable Populations

Since our founding, NashvilleHealth has been proud to help bring together public health practitioners and advocates, the non-profit community, business, healthcare providers and policy makers to address our city’s most pressing health needs, always with the goal of creating a…

COVID’s Impact on Food Insecurity

In this Issue: – COVID-19’s Impact on Food Insecurity – Announcing NashvilleHealth Hero – Davidson County Heat Map – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – Partner and News Updates COVID-19’s Impact on Food Insecurity The public health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have many Nashvillians turning…

A Healthy Nashville X: COVID-19 and Tobacco, E-Cigarette Use

In this Issue: – Strengthening T-21 in Tennessee  – Tobacco-Free Tennessee – COVID-19 Heat Map  – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – Response Fund Update Strengthening T-21 in Tennessee Evidence increasingly suggests people who smoke or vape are more likely to have complications or become…

A Healthy Nashville IX: COVID-19 and Heart Health

In this Issue: – COVID-19 and Heart Health  – Announcing NashvilleHealth Hero – Response Fund Update – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – News & Partner Updates COVID-19 and Heart Health  More than a respiratory infection, COVID-19 is affecting many of the body’s organs…

A Healthy Nashville VIII: The Healing Power of Nature

In this Issue: – The Healing Power of Nature  – Nature Challenge – Response Fund Update – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – UPDATED – News & Partner Updates The Healing Power of Nature This is a challenging time for all of us, but…

A Healthy Nashville VII: Mental Health

Sen. Bill Frist Discusses COVID-19 and Mental Health with Centerstone’s Becky Stoll In this Issue: – COVID-19 Crisis and Mental Health  – Announcing NashvilleHealth Hero – Response Fund Update – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – News & Partner Updates COVID-19 Crisis and Mental…

A Healthy Nashville VI: Critical Role of Public Health

Sen. Bill Frist Discusses Critical Role of Public Health with de Beaumont Foundation CEO Brian Castrucci In this Issue: – COVID-19 and Critical Role of Public Health   – Announcing NashvilleHealth Hero – Response Fund Update – Tracking COVID in Tennessee –…

A Healthy Nashville V: Partnerships

Message from Sen. Bill Frist, M.D.: Take Heart – Americans’ Sacrifices are Making a Difference In this Issue: – National Public Health Week – Partnering to Win the Battle – Response Fund Update – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – NashvilleHealth E-briefs…

A Healthy Nashville IV: Mental Health

Message from Sen. Bill Frist, M.D.: COVID and Mental Health In this Issue: – COVID-19 Impact on Nashville’s Mental Health – Response Fund Update – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – NashvilleHealth E-briefs COVID-19 Impact on Nashville’s Mental Health According to…

A Healthy Nashville III: Innovation

Message from Senator Bill Frist, M.D.: Innovation & Health In this Issue: – Innovation in the Face of the COVID Crisis – Response Fund Update – Tracking COVID in Tennessee – Sen. Frist Addresses COVID Crisis Innovation in the Face of…

A Healthy Nashville II: Underlying Health Conditions

Message from Senator Bill Frist, M.D.: Underlying Health Conditions In this Issue: – COVID-19 + Nashville’s Underlying Health Conditions – Response Fund Update – Tracking COVID-19 in Tennessee – Sen. Frist Addresses COVID-19 COVID-19 + Nashville’s Underlying Health Conditions While…

A Healthy Nashville: COVID-19 Community Response

A special message from Senator Bill Frist, M.D.  The power of collaboration, innovation and action has never been more critical than it is now to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. As we work together to #FlattenTheCurve, NashvilleHealth will share regular emails…

February 2020

New Online Tool Provides Access to Nashville’s Health Data NashvilleHealth and the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) have launched a first-of-its-kind interactive website that allows residents, community and business leaders and media to explore recent findings from the Nashville Community Health +…

October 2019

  Survey Findings Offer Critical Insights into Nashville’s Health Community partners recently gathered for the release of the Nashville Community Health + Well-being Survey, the first countywide health assessment in nearly 20 years. Survey findings offer a deep dive on numerous key…

August 2019

Coalition Focuses on Youth Tobacco and Vaping  The Tobacco-Free Tennessee Coalition recently gathered to learn about youth tobacco and vaping cessation efforts at the state and national level with experts from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the Tennessee Department of Health, and Truth Initiative. A…

June 2019

Survey Stakeholders Come Together With data analysis underway, NashvilleHealth and the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) hosted a meeting of more than 50 Nashville Community Health + Well-being Survey stakeholders to discuss initial survey findings and garner insights about how the data…

April 2019

Poll Reveals Strong Support for Tobacco and Vape Policy Change NashvilleHealth partnered with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and CityHealth to conduct a statewide opinion poll on tobacco and e-cigarette use and policy.  Results show a strong majority of Tennesseans…

February 2019

Nashville Supports Large-Scale Survey Hundreds of completed Nashville Community Health + Well-being Surveys continue to stream in online and through the mail.  A big thank you to the more than 130 groups who have shared the survey message with more…

December 2018

12,000 Nashvillians Receiving Surveys Now The Nashville Community Health + Well-being Survey has been delivered to more than 12,000 mailboxes in Davidson County, and early response rates demonstrate a good representation of age, race and geographic location. NashvilleHealth and the Metro Public…

October 2018

City Leaders Launch Root Nashville Sen. Bill Frist, M.D., joined Nashville Mayor David Briley, Councilmember-At-Large Sharon Hurt, Rev. Edwin Sanders and other community leaders to launch Root Nashville, a campaign to plant and care for 500,000 trees across Nashville by…

August 2018

First-of-a-Kind Survey to Hit Mailboxes NashvilleHealth is partnering with the Metro Public Health Department to launch a county-wide survey of the health of Nashville residents. The last time such a survey was administered was the year 2000. The Nashville Community…

April 2018

Nashville Launches Foundational Health Survey Metro Public Health Department (MPH) and NashvilleHealth are partnering to launch a community-wide survey of the health of Nashville residents. The assessment of more than 3,000 residents will provide valuable new data about health-related behaviors, chronic...

February 2018

A Citywide Message of Health We're excited to share our new video telling the story of the collaborative work happening right here in Music City. All In Speakers Series Launches NashvilleHealth and the Metro Public Health Department are partnering to...

December 2017

Message from Senator Bill Frist, M.D. This has been a year of great progress for our city and for NashvilleHealth, and I want to thank you for your support and engagement throughout. I am convinced that working together we can...

August 2017

DR. JILL BIDEN, RWJF CEO RICHARD BESSER TO HEADLINE NASHVILLE SUMMIT What is the connection between health and learning? Join us to find out. Register. For so many documented reasons, a student’s physical, emotional and mental health is critical to academic success…

May 2017

NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS + LOCAL ACTION The value of partnership cannot be understated. From national initiatives with large-scale goals to locally-focused action, NashvilleHealth partners are pursuing measurable ambitions to keep Nashville healthy.  In each of our three core focus areas, as…

March 2017

Women’s Heart Alliance Names Nashville a “City with Heart” We are excited to launch a partnership with the Women’s Heart Alliance. Nashville is the organization’s pilot location for their “Cities and Communities with Heart” Initiative, which aims to reduce heart…

January 2017

NashvilleHealth Welcomes Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to Nashville Among all of the organizations tracking and taking action to improve our national health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is tops on the list. At NashvilleHealth’s Steering Committee meeting in December, we…

October 2016

Tobacco Cessation Campaign Aims to Reduce Preventable Deaths November is Tobacco Awareness Month and NashvilleHealth continues to work with partners on efforts to reduce the number of Nashvillians who smoke and by doing so drastically reduce preventable illness and death…

September 2016

CDC Urges Community-Wide Approach to Health NashvilleHealth and the Metro Public Health Department were pleased to recently host John Auerbach, director of policy with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for a candid discussion on reducing Nashville’s hypertension rates. Dr….

July 2016

Local Ideas Upstreamed to Washington Nearly 150 Nashville health and business leaders gathered last month for the Public Health 3.0 Summit to discuss collaborations in community health and to provide on-the-ground feedback to key federal officials on what’s working and…

May 2016

With your support, NashvilleHealth is in the midst of impactful relationship building, shared learning and creating change.  As we begin our work, NashvilleHealth has three initial areas of focus: tobacco cessation and prevention, hypertension and child health. In recent weeks,…

May 2016

In recent weeks, we have launched our working group on hypertension, hosted a stakeholder session on tobacco, and participated in state and national discussions on cross-community engagement in health. Tobacco Group Gathers for Work Session NashvilleHealth recently hosted a second gathering of…

March 2016

Only a few months in, we are on a roll! With your support, NashvilleHealth is in the midst of impactful relationship building, shared learning and creating change.  As we begin our work, NashvilleHealth has three initial areas of focus: tobacco…

Winter 2016

What is NashvilleHealth? Launched last fall by Senator Bill Frist, NashvilleHealth is a bold new initiative that creates a culture of health and well-being by serving as a convener to open dialogue, align resources and build smart strategic partnerships to forge a…