By Delatria Palacios
The TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project, in proud partnership with West Eastland Church of Christ, is once again bringing neighbors together for a day of networking, healing, connection, and empowerment. Free and open to all, the Community Health and Wellness expo will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM at 342 West Eastland Avenue in Gallatin.
Featuring over 25 participating health organizations, the event is designed to uplift individuals, families, and the entire community with enriching activities, health screenings, and a wide range of educational tools and wellness resources.
This expo serves as a hub where educators, faith leaders, healthcare providers, and families come together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and ensure that everyone has access to the resources needed to thrive.
Here’s what you can expect at the Wellness Expo:
- Free pediatric and adult health screenings, emotional wellness checks, basic dental exams, and guidance on preventive care education
- Kroger Health, this year’s lead sponsor, will offer vaccinations on-site, be sure to bring insurance cards and details if available
- Enjoy a complimentary lunch, children’s activities, and fresh produce giveaways
- Access to voter registration, financial literacy workshops, employment resources, and CPR training
- Support for the uninsured and underinsured, including insurance guidance and information
- Door prize drawings and a giveaway of educational supplies for K–12 families to enjoy
Brenda Barnes, Kroger Nashville Division Health and Wellness leader, shared her enthusiasm: “At Kroger Health, we believe that access to preventive care is the foundation for a healthier community. We’re proud to support this impactful event that brings vital services directly to the neighborhoods we serve.”
Lisa McGee, Project Director of the TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project, emphasized the events deeper impact“Our annual event is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for the health of our community. With the support of West Eastland Church of Christ, Kroger Health, and our healthcare partners, we are not just providing resources, we’re building a movement around accessible, preventive care. ‘Wellness Begins With We’ isn’t just a theme, it’s our call to action.”
Attendees will have access to emotional and mental wellness resources, including counseling services and stress management tools. The expo also features CPR training, financial literacy workshops, and professional development opportunities, all designed to empower individuals, families, and communities.
For those facing insurance challenges, the event offers guidance and support to with exploring available options and connect with needed care. Voter registration will also be available, reinforcing the vital link between civic engagement and community well-being.
Recognizing the vital role of education in shaping healthier futures, the expo provides resources and support for K–12 families, including school readiness tools, academic guidance, and educational equipment. These offerings aim to foster essential skills, personal growth, and social development, preparing students not only for future careers but for life as capable, confident, and compassionate individuals. It’s a heartfelt commitment to nurturing the next generation, ensuring children have the tools to thrive both inside and beyond the classroom setting.
The list of participating vendors spans a wide range of expertise and services, from the TSU Department of Public Health to Meharry Medical College Pediatrics, the Meharry Sickle Cell Center, Humana, and Devoted Health. Each organization brings its own strengths and a shared commitment to advancing health equity and supporting communities.
Other notable participants include:
- Family and Children’s Service
- Goodlettsville Smiles
- Greater Nashville Regional Council
- Medical Foundation of Nashville
- Nashville Metro Public Health Department / Behavioral Health and Wellness
- Victory Over Stigma Mental Health Initiative presented by ONE Community – Tennessee Titans
- TAADAS – TN Association of Alcohol, Drug and Other Addiction Services
- Trust Yourself
- Paraclete Center
- Purposed Life, LLC
- West Eastland Church of Christ Ministries
Together, these partnerships are dedicated to uplifting communities and closing gaps in care.
At its core, the Community Health & Wellness Expo is a public event designed to bring people together with a common goal of improving health and well-being. It’s a space where families leave feeling seen, supported, and inspired, neighbors become advocates, and children laugh and learn.
The theme “Wellness Begins With We” is both a slogan and a guiding philosophy, reminding us that healing happens when people show up for one another, when they listen, and when they act with intention. It’s about building bridges between individuals and institutions and fostering a culture where health equity isn’t just a goal, but a lived reality.
