NOW

The Future is NOW Nashville –
Part of the Future Healers Network

Background
The Future is NOW (Non-violent Options Win) Nashville is part of the Future Healers Network out of the University of Louisville (UofL). The Future is NOW Nashville is the first Future Healers chapter outside of Louisville, and it was inspired by their incredible foundation. In recent months, the Nashville community was shaken to the core by gun violence with a school shooting. Unfortunately, this is not a new problem for our city. Together with the support of the Vanderbilt Division of Acute Care Surgery; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) – Nashville Field Division; Nashville Metro Police; and Stronger than My Father, we strive to inspire at risk youth in Nashville to choose a violence free future.

The Future Healers program was the brain child of UofL medical school graduate, Dr. Karen Udoh, and Game Changers’ Executive Director, Christopher 2X. This outreach program was designed to do its part in addressing public health crises affecting at risk youth. Future Healers is focused on building stronger bonds between the health care community and the city’s youth most impacted by gun violence.

Objective
Through compassion and mentorship, this program aims to empower young individuals to aspire for better futures for themselves and for their communities.

Curriculum

  • Free monthly lessons and hands on activities covering health related topics
  • Mentorship with medical students, health care providers, and other interested members of the community

now group

Louisville anti-violence nonprofit program expands to Nashville - Future is Now Nashville and Louisville members met recently to discuss this initiative - News Link

Founding Members
Vanderbilt Division of Acute Care Surgery
Rachel D. Appelbaum, MD, Acute Care Surgeon

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine 
Aamina Dandy, MPH, MD/PhD Student 
Yeongha Oh, BA, Medical Student 
Sarah Z. Li, BA, Medical Student 
Jean Mok, BS, Medical Student 
Jessica K. Sims, BS, Medical Student

Explosives (ATF) – Nashville Field Division
Tommy Estevan, Assisting Special Agent in Charge
Marcus Watson, Special Agent in Charge

Metro Police
John Drake, Chief of Police

Stronger Than My Father
Renee Jones
Marcus Meneese