The Nashville Collaborative 

A cornerstone of our partnership focused approach, the Nashville Collaborative for Pediatric and Family Health links Academic General Pediatrics at Vanderbilt with key community organizations—including Metro Parks, Nashville Public Library, Metro Action Commission and the Nashville Food Project. Together, we develop and evaluate sustainable, evidence-based programs that improve child and family health, particularly in the area of childhood obesity prevention.

Why Partnership Matters

• Co creation leads to research questions and programs that reflect community priorities.
• Embedded delivery in parks, libraries, and community centers builds access and equity.
• Sustainability grows from community-owned programs and local capacity.
• Discovery thrives in partnership, allowing evidence to grow where children live and play.

Impact

Growing healthier communities together

• Community Reach: Programs and trials embedded across parks, libraries, and community centers throughout Middle Tennessee.
• Supporting Families: Focus on increasing access to evidence-based programs for families who are at high risk for chronic diseases, like obesity.
• Sustainable Change: Co-developed programs continue beyond the research phase through partner leadership and local investment.
• Training Future Leaders: Trainees and junior researchers learn to blend discovery with community partnership—reflecting the broader mission of Vanderbilt Pediatrics.

Philanthropy and Support

Your support helps us cultivate healthier communities by funding pilot research, expanding community partnerships, sustaining family navigator roles, and accelerating the translation of evidence into programs that families can use today.

Philanthropy fuels Monroe Carell’s commitment to community-engaged, family-centered innovation and expands our ability to reach more children with programs grounded in partnership and discovery.