As part of Saint Thomas Health's commitment to serve the poor and vulnerable in Middle Tennessee, the nine-hospital health system will host a free medical screening event in Hickman County on Saturday, October 14.

The Hickman Medical Mission at Home event will be held at the Hickman County High School Gym, located at 1639 Bulldog Blvd. in Centerville, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteer medical personnel, including, physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, technicians, pharmacists and dozens of other hospital staff from Saint Thomas Hickman Hospital and all of Saint Thomas Health, will provide free medical, dental and optical check-ups, along with pharmacy services from the Dispensary of Hope to Hickman County residents most in need.

"It is part of our mission to care for the poor and vulnerable, especially in our own communities. Hickman County is one of the poorest counties in Tennessee and we are compelled to serve their residents," said Nancy Anness, Chief Advocacy Officer of Saint Thomas Health.

Hickman County has approximately 24,000 residents. More than 13 percent of the residents are uninsured. More than 40 percent of Hickman County residents are living below 200 percent of the poverty level with 16 percent of residents living in poverty.

"Our hospital and the Hickman community is grateful for this commitment to serve those needing care," said Kevin Campbell, Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Support Services at Saint Thomas Hickman. "There are so many individuals that struggle to find access to care. This event will be a true blessing for so many as we offer much needed dental and vision screenings in addition to the health screenings."