Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and LifePoint Health are teaming up to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The organizations are hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Gallatin, located at 290 E Winchester Street. Medical professionals from Sumner Regional Medical Center, which is part of LifePoint, and the LifePoint Health Support Center will be on hand to administer vaccines. Unlimited Potential is also a partner for the event. The drop-in vaccination clinic is open to the public, and appointments are not needed. Vaccinations will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Second Harvest, LifePoint Health and Sumner Regional previously hosted a successful vaccination clinic specifically for attendees of a Second Harvest mobile food pantry in April. More than 30 people received COVID-19 vaccines as part of the two-hour drive thru mobile food pantry event sponsored by LifePoint Health. Many of these individuals might not otherwise have had access to a vaccine.

"At LifePoint, our mission of Making Communities Healthier extends to all aspects of the work we do, including ensuring equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine for those who may experience barriers to becoming vaccinated," said Ken Gagnon, vice president, pharmacy services for LifePoint Health. "Partnerships like this one are vital to creating healthier communities, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Second Harvest team to explore additional ways we can collaborate and reach more people in need across Middle Tennessee."

LifePoint Health and Second Harvest have an existing partnership that was established in 2017. The partnership aims to develop solutions to address food insecurity affecting the lives of many individuals and families in Middle Tennessee, and educate the public about the significant role nutrition plays in achieving good health.

"Community partnerships are crucial elements in the fight against COVID-19 and the fight against hunger," said Nancy Keil, president and CEO of Second Harvest. "We are grateful for the teams at LifePoint Health, Sumner Regional and Unlimited Potential for their support of this event and their dedication to ensuring that all Tennesseans have access to the resources they need to lead healthy lives. Through their dedication and collaboration, we are able to reach underserved communities throughout Middle Tennessee."