H.E.R.O. Program: Resources for Families Experiencing Homelessness
Source/Organization
Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)
Description
Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) offers resources for families of students who are homeless or living in transitional housing. The H.E.R.O. Program helps these families find services to address their needs regarding obtaining legal documents, transportation, and food. Collaborations with external partners also provide families with resources for dental, medical, and mental health care.
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC )
Source/Organization
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC )
Description
The Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center provides primary healthcare, dental care, and specialty care such as geriatric and OB/GYN services based on the individual’s ability to pay. Targeting low-income residents, the Center collaborates with Meharry Medical College to bring disease screening to communities. Translation services are offered to facilitate patient care. An onsite pharmacy provides medications for 45-50& less cost than traditional pharmacies. The center provides a social and community service manager that can assist patients and other community members with services such as: health insurance enrollment, free health and wellness programs, locating rent and utility assistance programs, finding employment, and lifeline cell phone programs.
Meharry Medical College provides medical and dental services at this satellite clinic offering some evening hours. In addition to primary care, pediatric and Ob/GYN services are offered as well as wellness physicals, vaccines and routine dental care. Most health care insurances are honored including Medicaid; financial aid is available for those in need.
The Mental Health Cooperative takes a holistic approach to treating and supporting individuals with mental illness, behavioral, and emotional disorders. MHC treats all age groups; treatment is outpatient-based and includes access to primary care facilities and a pharmacy. In-home and in-school programs are offered for children. Individual, group, and family therapy is offered. Mobile and telephone crisis services are available. MHC also offers substance abuse therapy for individuals with co-existing mental illness. Case Managers at MHC can provide assistance locating resources for housing, budget & financial needs, medical & dental care, employment, education, social support, and transportation options. Youth services include assistance with juvenile justice court.
Metro Nashville and Davidson County’s Public Health Department offers preventive health services, behavioral health programs, dental care, and disease screening to children and adults on a sliding payment scale basis. Programs are also available for smoking cessation and food-related needs. Three Health Center locations (Lentz Public Health Center, East Public Health Center, and Woodbine Public Health Center) serve Davidson County.
Metro Public Health Dept. - Woodbine Public Health Center - Primary Health Care
Source/Organization
Metro Public Health Dept.
Description
Metro Nashville and Davidson County Woodbine Public Health Center offers preventive health services, behavioral health programs, dental care, and disease screening to children and adults on a sliding payment scale basis.
Neighborhood Health provides affordable primary, preventive, and women’s healthcare to Middle Tennessee residents. Also offered are counseling services and dental care that is either free or on a sliding scale. Special consideration is given for homeless individuals. Additional services include a 24-hour call line to speak to a provider about health concerns, counselors to help find health coverage, and interpreter services. Homeless clients have access to psychiatric, mental health/substance abuse, and transportation services.
Focusing on preventive health, Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health care, pregnancy testing, testing for sexually transmitted disease, sex education, and general health information to women, men (infertility, birth control), and teens.
Priest Lake Clinic provides primary care services, pediatrics, social work services, preventive care, social work services, and integrated behavioral health for the uninsured or those with little financial means. Urgent care services are also offered. Fees for prescriptions and onsite lab tests are on a sliding scale of payment and may be free of charge. The clinic is part of the University Community Health Services network.