(l to r): District 19 Councilman Freddie O’Connell; MHC Commissioners Menie Bell and Linda Wynn; Jessica Reeves (MHC); Monica Walker; Candace Koney, M.D.; and Anna Walker. (photo courtesy of the Metro Nashville Historical Commission)
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (MWCHC), Nashville’s oldest non-profit health center, hosted their 10th annual Senior Expo on May 10 at MWCHC.
The annual Senior Expo is held each year in conjunction with Older Americans Month (OAM).
“Seniors are never too old (or too young) to take part in activities that can enrich their physical, mental and emotional well-being, and Senior Expo celebrates the many ways older adults make a difference in the community,” said a Matthew Walker health official. “This free event offers seniors access to nearly 30 local organizations including Alive Hospice, Council on Aging, and Fifty Forward, among others, and resources all under one roof. Blood pressure screenings, door prizes, agency giveaways and much more.”
The organization also unveiled its Historical Marker from The Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County recognizing Dr. Matthew Walker, Sr.’s impact on the Middle Tennessee community and beyond. Walker was instrumental in securing a federal grant to start the Meharry Neighborhood Health Center, a neighborhood clinic that now carries his name.
The marker reads: “Matthew Walker was born December 7, 1906 in Waterproof, La. After attending school in New Orleans, he graduated from Meharry Medical College in 1934 and began teaching at Hubbard Hospital. Walker served as chairman of the Department of Surgery from 1945-73 and was instrumental in securing a 1968 federal grant to start the Meharry Neighborhood Health Center. In 1970 the community-based clinic’s name was changed to the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center in his honor.”
Councilmember Freddie O’Connell, Metro Historical Commission Preservationist Jessica Reeves, MWCHC CEO Katina Beard and Dr. Walker’s granddaughter, Dr. Candace Koney, shared remarks about Dr. Walker at the unveiling.
