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Local dental clinic appeals for city support for Meharry gala, highlights free pediatric services
Summary
Clinic representative told council the clinic provides free dental services to children and adults, described last year’s service volumes and said gala sponsorships are far below prior years; she asked the city for continued support and clarified Meharry provides services as a teaching site without city payments.
A representative identified by the mayor as Bridal Lusk addressed council to request support for a fundraising gala tied to Meharry’s 140th anniversary and outlined the clinic’s services in Shelbyville. The presenter said the clinic provides free dental care to children ages 3–18 including exams, cleanings, extractions, fillings and X‑rays, and noted the clinic also treats adults as part of an expanded service line.
She told council that last year the clinic served pediatric and adult patients in significant numbers (transcript cites 68 pediatric encounters, 959 adults and other totals described in discussion) and described the clinic as a teaching site for Meharry’s fourth‑year students. The presenter said Meharry sends staff from Nashville and provides care at no direct cost to the city: "They come and provide this service because we are a teaching site... they do not receive any money from us at all."
Council members asked about projected revenues from the gala and how proceeds are split; staff noted initial paperwork referenced $57,000 vs. $110,000 in another line. The presenter clarified the gala fundraising projections and said Meharry would receive half of the proceeds where applicable, and asked that the city continue to support the event through attendance and sponsorships. The presenter also asked council to publicize the clinic services so residents know the program is available.
Council thanked the presenter and invited follow‑up questions; no formal financial action was taken at the study session.
