Spring Newsletter
The Director's Corner
Welcome to the Spring edition of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) newsletter!! I am so excited to join the MVA as its new Executive Director and look forward to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic so we can welcome you to our office which is situated right in the heart of the Meharry Medical College campus. Since we cannot connect with you in-person yet, please feel free to connect with us virtually via social media.

Big changes are coming in the months ahead and we are just getting started! However, I am personally eager to hear from you!! What would you like to see in the next iteration of the MVA?? Here is an open invitation for you to reach out by email or phone to share your thoughts, comments and concerns with us.

While new leadership brings change, please know that our dedication and commitment to you – our community – will never fade. I look forward to hearing from you.
Important COVID-19 Information
Eligible Nashville residents can register for their COVID vaccine

Eligible Nashville residents can register with the Metro Public Health Department for Nashville and Davidson County for COVID-19 vaccinations at the ongoing vaccine clinic at Music City Center in downtown Nashville.
Live outside Davidson County? Register for your vaccine with the state health department
As vaccine eligibility expands throughout Tennessee, you can register for your vaccine with the Tennessee Department of Health. If you live outside Davidson County, click on the button below for more information or to register.
Know someone outside Tennessee who needs a vaccine? Find out where to get vaccinated

Find a vaccine location near you by visiting VaccineFinder.org. The site is a free, online service where users can search for locations that offer COVID vaccinations.
Latest Nashville COVID-19 statistics
There are currently 1,867 active cases of COVID-19 In Nashville, as reported by the Metro Public Health Department of Nashville and Davidson County, and 91,819 inactive or recovered cases. We encourage everyone to wear masks when they could come into contact with others, avoid crowds and gatherings, give others extra space and wash their hands frequently.
White House invests $250M to encourage COVID-19 safety and vaccination among underserved
As part of President Biden’s National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, the Administration is announcing an effort to invest $250 million to encourage COVID-19 safety and vaccination among underserved populations.
MVA IPE published in ScienceDirect
MVA IPE faculty publish ScienceDirect article demonstrating program's importance
In February 2021, MVA IPE faculty published an article describing the program and its impact on students and community partners in ScienceDirect, a website that provides access to a massive database of scientific and medical publications. The report demonstrated the importance of community-engaged IPE and shared details of the MVA’s effective inter-institutional method of delivering IPE.
Meharry in National News Again
Meharry receives $20M grant to establish virtual simulation and telemedicine program
Congratulations to Meharry Medical College and Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance IPE Co-Director Regina Offodile, MD for receiving a $20 million grant as part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

MVSA variety show raises $1,190
Whose Central Line Is It Anyway raises $1,190 for Salt Wagon & Shade Tree Clinics
Students from the Meharry-Vanderbilt Student Alliance raised $1,190 in their annual variety show, which became a virtual event this year. Proceeds from the event will benefit the student-run Salt Wagon and Shade Tree Clinics.
Virtual Fireside Chat
Moving On Up with Dr. Dzirasa
Kafui Dzariza, MD, PhD, the first black man to graduate from Duke University with a doctorate in neurobiology and the recipient of the Duke University Presidential Award -- the highest honor given by Duke staff and faculty members -- recounted the struggles he faced breaking barriers in the first of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance’s 2021 Lecture Series.
New Leadership, New Growth
Trina Taglialavore

As Executive Assistant, Trina Taglialavore provides managerial and administrative support to Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance Executive Director Dr. Karen Winkfield.
Christopher Smith

Christopher Smith serves as the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance's Community Engagement Coordinator, focusing on education and giving back to the community.
Calling for Change in Cancer Treatment
MVA Executive Director Dr. Karen Winkfield's Diverse Cancer Community Working Group manuscript published in Journal of Oncology Practice
The National Minority Quality Forum announced in January that its Diverse Cancer Communities Working Group manuscript was published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Journal of Oncology Practice.
Follow us on Social Media
Sign up for our Newsletter
If this is your first time reading the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance newsletter, we'd love to keep in touch. Sign up for future newsletters by following the link below!
Looking Ahead
Upcoming Events
The Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance Team

Executive Director: Dr. Karen Winkfield
Executive Assistant: Trina Taglialavore
Administrative Director: Virginia Fuqua-Meadows
IPE Program Manager: Jessica Jones
Community Engagement Coordinator: Christopher Smith
Communications Specialist: Matt Schorr
Phone: (615) 963-2820