Over the last two decades, the Williamson Health Foundation has raised more than $20 million to support the efforts of Williamson Health. Projects like the “More for You. Close to Home.” capital campaign—fueling the transformational expansion and renovation project at Williamson Medical Center—and partnerships with Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group, the Turner-Dugas family, A Vintage Affair and Luke and Caroline Bryan garner a lot of attention. But the Foundation also supports Williamson Health’s work in smaller but meaningful ways.

Read on to learn more and discover practical ways to support the Foundation’s work so Williamson Health can continue elevating healthcare throughout the region.

Shop in Support

Shopping at the gift shop, which is located in the main lobby of Williamson Medical Center, is an easy way to support Williamson Health and its work. The gift shop was fully revamped during the first phase of Williamson Medical Center’s recent expansion and renovation.

Featuring gifts and Williamson Health-branded items as well as merchandise from local vendors, it’s more of a boutique you’d expect to find in downtown Franklin.

“We feature products from local vendors such as Thistle Farms, Groove Life and Notes Speak, in addition to a wide range of high-quality baby items, apparel, candles, jewelry and more, ” said Stephanie Wracher, volunteer services manager. “You can shop in person or online and can even have items sent directly to a patient’s room. Every purchase made in the gift shop benefits the programs and services that Williamson Health provides to the community.”

Run by the Williamson Health Volunteer Auxiliary, a key part of the Foundation team, recent shop proceeds helped purchase vein finders for pediatric patients as well as mannequins for CPR training and equipment used by the Cardiac Rehab department.

Open from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday, the gift shop also offers unique items that support other local nonprofits, such as The Change Your Brain Foundation and the Brett Boyer Foundation. Learn more at williamsonhealth.org/patients-and-visitors/gift-shop.

Join the Jennings Circle

Started in 2021, the Jennings Circle is a women’s initiative that supports the mission of Williamson Health through the Williamson Health Foundation. Foundation board member Jodi Rall founded the initiative as a way to honor her mother, the late Ellen Jennings Altsman, a former Williamson Medical Center patient.

“The Jennings Circle is designed to help women embrace their own health through education and empower them to help their families live healthier lives,” said Leigh Williams, executive director for the Williamson Health Foundation. The initiative does this through learning opportunities and events, such as the Women’s Health series.

“Joining the Jennings Circle is a practical way to invest in your community and the work of Williamson Health,” Williams continued. “We played an important role in funding the recent renovation and expansion of Williamson Medical Center’s labor and delivery space and look forward to helping build the future of healthcare in our community.”

Membership in the Jennings Circle is $50 annually, with no volunteer requirements. To learn more, visit williamsonhealth.org/williamson-health-foundation/recognition.

Attend an Event

Attending events, such as the Women’s Health Panel series luncheons and the upcoming Men’s Health Series, is another way to support Williamson Health’s mission.

Hosted by the Jennings Circle, the Women’s Health Panel Series empowers women at every stage of life. The first event took place June 4^th, with future luncheons planned quarterly, with the next scheduled for October 1^st.

The Men’s Health Panel Series is set to launch during No Shave November, with a “Know Your Numbers” event designed to help men understand key health metrics. Learn more or purchase tickets at williamsonhealth.org/about/events-and-classes.

Give it a Name

At Williamson Health, naming opportunities go beyond buildings—you can honor a loved one or support something you’re passionate about by naming a room, mural or other spaces within Williamson Medical Center and other Williamson Health campuses. You can name an obstetrics room in honor of your new addition or recognize a loved one with a memorial brick that supports the continued renovation and expansion of Williamson Medical Center and other critical needs of the health system.

Looking for more ways to support Williamson Health? Make a lasting impact by giving to the “More for You. Close to Home.” capital campaign, which is now raising funds to renovate older areas of the hospital. Donors can also include the Foundation in their wills and explore tax-advantaged giving options. To learn more about the Foundation or donate, visit williamsonhealth.org/williamson-health-foundation.