As of July 1, 2024, per Tennessee Public Chapter 1061 of 2024, except as otherwise provided by law or court order all patients less than 18 years of age will be required to have signed or verbal consent by a legal parent or guardian prior to receiving health care services. Please plan for any patient(s) less than 18 years of age to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If the parent or legal guardian cannot accompany the minor(s) to a visit, verbal consent must be obtained from the parent or guardian prior to receiving services. This law does not apply to all services or health conditions, nor to legally emancipated minors, current or former members of the military, or minor mothers with full custody of a child or children.
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services provides screening and referral for Substance Use/Abuse and Mental Health Issues. Full time professional counselors are available Monday through Friday, at Lentz Public Health Center, 2500 Charlotte Avenue, to conduct assessments and make referrals to local counseling agencies for persons age 18 and older needing Substance Abuse or Mental Health services. Visit the Behavioral Health Services web page for more information.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening program is a comprehensive screening program available to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women. This program provides access to timely, high-quality and diagnostic services, to detect breast and cervical cancer at its earliest stages.
Children's Special Services
Children's Special Services is a statewide program offered through the Tennessee Department of Health, that serves children birth to age 21 years, with chronic illnesses or disability needs. CSS provides financial assistance, speech, and hearing evaluations, and case management services related to a child's special health care needs. The program does have financial eligibility guidelines that are based on family size and 200% of the Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines set for each year. For more information, please call 615-340-5697.
Clinical Services - Civil Service Exams
At the request of their hiring department potential new employees of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County may be provided a post-offer medical examination. Presently these physicals are being provided at the Lentz Public Health Center.
More about Clinical Services - Civil Service Exams
Family Planning Services
The mission of the Family Planning Services program is to prevent unintended pregnancy and improve pregnancy planning and spacing. We provide confidential counseling, pregnancy testing, and birth control services. Services are available at Lentz Public Health Center, East Public Health Center, and Woodbine Public Health Center. Please visit the family planning website for more details.
Immunizations/Vaccinations
This program provides immunizations for both children and adults. We provide routine immunizations to those children or adults who qualify for free federal vaccine. We also provide vaccine to those who are privately insured for a charge. For more information, please call 615-340-5607.
Oral Health Services
The Lentz Dental Clinic provides comprehensive dental care for children age 20 and below. Limited adult emergency care is also available. TennCare is accepted, and for those patients who do not have TennCare, a sliding fee schedule based on income and number of people in the household is available. Proof of Davidson County residence, proof of income and proof of number of people in the household should be brought to the first visit. For more information about Oral Health Services visit the Oral Health Services web page.
The Metro Health Department also provides preventive dental services to children in selected schools in Davidson County through our Dental Sealant Program. These services include dental sealants, dental screenings, dental examinations and oral health education. Oral Health Education Programs and Tooth Fairy Programs will be scheduled by request.
Pharmacy Services
The Health Department Pharmacy is located on the first floor near the main entrance of the Lentz Public Health Center, 2500 Charlotte Avenue.
The pharmacy is licensed as a retail pharmacy (Project Access Nashville medications) as well as a redistribution center for medications dispensed at the various Health Department clinics.
Preventive Health Care Centers
Metro Health Department operates three public health care preventive centers to provide a variety of preventive health services to citizens of Davidson County on a sliding fee scale basis. Visit the Preventive Health Care Centers web page for details.
Project Access Nashville
Project Access Nashville links uninsured residents of Davidson County to a network of some 35 primary health, dental, mental health and substance abuse clinics that serve patients based on their ability to pay. The Project Access Nashville provider network provides an array of primary care services to the uninsured, which include disease management, treatment of acute episodic conditions, and access to pharmacy services, specialty care, and transportation to medical appointments.
Sexual Health Center
The Sexual Health Center provides examination and treatment for persons who suspect they have a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and herpes. The cost of a voluntary examination is based on family income. However, there is a $10 minimum fee for service.
Tuberculosis Elimination Program
The Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program works with community agencies, providers, and hospitals to identify persons who have active TB disease. Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services are provided to all persons in Davidson County who are diagnosed with active TB disease. Contact investigations are conducted in partnership with patients who have active TB disease to identify, evaluate, and treat individuals who have been exposed to active TB. Directly observed therapy is provided to all persons with TB disease, children, and some high risk contacts.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support and healthy food vouchers to participants of the program. This program is available to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to the age of five who meet the income requirements. We have four locations in Davidson County. Appointments are required.