Ascension Medical Mission returns

Ascension Saint Thomas associates, volunteers, leaders and community collaborators in Middle Tennessee gathered in service together to deliver free medical care to those with limited access or who are struggling at the ministry’s first Ascension Medical Mission since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Services provided included medical care/screenings, dental and vision care, select prescriptions, foot washing, radiology, physical therapy, hair care, spiritual care, behavioral health care, and community services.

“The Medical Mission is a sacred part of our culture and our commitment to community that allows our essence and uniqueness as a ministry to come into sharp focus,” said Fahad Tahir, President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas. “It’s a magnifying glass on the work that goes unseen every day, in exam rooms, hospitals and care centers across the community. It’s who we are. I was honored and blessed to be one of the 339 volunteers who took part in this day dedicated to providing access to healthcare for 601 people in need.”

Continuing Medical Education Manager JeriSue Petrie was especially moved by a specific encounter with one of the participants. “After I washed the feet of a woman who did not speak English, she took a seat in a chair to the side,” JeriSue said. “When I passed by her a few minutes later, she reached out and stopped me. She showed me her phone on which she had typed a sentence into Google Translate. The translation in English read, ‘God will pay you for your work.’ She looked at me, smiled and nodded. I put my hands on my heart and nodded back to thank her for her gift, which touched me beyond words.”