Office of Government Relations, Business Development & Community Engagement
Creating Meaningful Change Through Policy, Partnerships, and People
At Meharry Medical College, our Office of Government Relations, Business Development & Community Engagement strives to bridge the gap between policymakers, industry leaders, and communities, driving impactful change through collaboration and action.
Impact Highlights:
- Over 1,000 hours of community service each year
- 40+ vibrant community partnerships
- A national leader in health equity and medical education
About Us
We believe that transformative change occurs at the crossroads of policy, business, and community engagement. Our office stands as the dynamic hub of influence at Meharry, dedicated to advancing health equity and opportunity.
Our Mission
To champion health equity and opportunities by shaping policies, forging partnerships, and uplifting communities.
Our Vision
To be the vital connector between Meharry and the world—where visionary ideas turn into policies, partnerships lead to genuine opportunities, and service fosters systemic change.
Our Values:
- Service: Addressing the real needs of the communities we serve.
- Innovation: Harnessing research, technology, and partnerships for impactful progress.
- Collaboration: Building bridges between individuals and institutions across diverse sectors.
- Impact: Transforming advocacy and engagement into tangible, measurable results.
Community Engagement
Connecting with Communities, Creating Lasting Impact
Meharry’s commitment to service is woven into our fabric. Our students, faculty, and staff contribute more than 1,000 hours of community service every year across Tennessee. Through our Office of Government Relations, Business Development & Community Engagement, we breathe life into this service through:
- Health education and wellness programs that resonate with local communities.
- Collaborations with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and advocacy groups to enhance local capacity and support.
- Student-led initiatives through over 40 campus organizations, empowering future leaders in service.
Our dedication ensures that Meharry remains a trusted neighbor and a proactive partner, driving healthier communities forward.
Government Relations
Advocacy that Shapes the Future of Healthcare
From the corridors of Capitol Hill to the Tennessee General Assembly, we proudly amplify Meharry’s voice in crucial policy discussions. Our advocacy ensures that underserved communities and historically Black institutions are embraced in the national conversation on health equity.
Our focus areas include:
- Graduate Medical Education (GME): Safeguarding funding for physician training amid national workforce shortages.
- Health Equity: Championing opportunities for underrepresented groups in the fields of medicine and health.
- Research Support: Securing vital funding and policies to enable groundbreaking discoveries, partnering with esteemed organizations like the NIH.
- Veterans’ Health: Strengthening alliances between medical schools and VA centers to enhance care for our veterans.
- Tennessee Advocacy: Advocating for fair reimbursement, support for uncompensated care, and robust state contributions to graduate medical education.
Together, we elevate Meharry’s mission within government, transforming advocacy into concrete impact.
Business Development
Forging Partnerships for Innovation & Growth
Healthcare transformation thrives on collaboration. We actively engage with corporations, investors, and civic organizations to:
- Cultivate research and clinical partnerships that infuse our ecosystem with valuable resources and expertise.
- Reinforce the College’s clinical enterprises, driving growth and ensuring sustainability.
By aligning with business leaders and investors, we expand Meharry’s influence beyond our campus, fueling both social progress and economic development.
External Affairs & Strategy
Aligning Policy, People & Progress
Every impactful initiative is backed by a strategic framework. Our office coordinates communications, outreach, and operations to guarantee that Meharry’s advocacy and engagement efforts are both effective and sustainable.
We:
- Provide essential administrative and operational support for external affairs initiatives.
- Develop and implement streamlined policies and procedures for effective communication and outreach.
- Ensure strategic cohesion between government relations, business partnerships, and community initiatives.
By fusing strategy with action, we empower Meharry to lead with clarity, credibility, and significant impact.
Resources
Stay Informed. Stay Connected.
We offer essential tools and links to keep our community, partners, and stakeholders engaged:
- Tennessee General Assembly & Governor’s Office
- Nashville Mayor’s Office & Chamber of Commerce
- NAACP & civil rights partners
- White House, U.S. Congress, Supreme Court
- Meharry resources for faculty and staff interacting with government entities
These resources equip every member of the Meharry community to represent the College with confidence and integrity.