September 2021 Hot Topic — Community Needs Evaluation: The State of Wellbeing 2020
Speaker: Dr. Garrett Harper, Nashville Metropolitan Social Services
Dr. Harper presented the challenges from 2020, a difficult year for Nashvillians, the pressing issues Nashville faces currently, and the city’s focus for the future. Much of the talk presented data from pre and post pandemic Nashville. Prior to the pandemic, the poverty rate was falling, inequality was declining, and unemployment was low. Unfortunately, the pandemic reversed many of those trends. For example, almost 40,000 full time workers earn less than $12/hour and one in ten Nashvillians lack health insurance. Depending upon the geographic neighborhood and/or demographic category, the needs of our fellow Nashvillians can be considerable.
The presentation included detailed data on persistent, structural poverty in Nashville and Davidson County. To address poverty and well being, Dr. Harper suggested the importance of a unified effort based on an understanding of the issues. He also stressed the importance of
community wide efforts that are sustained over time and designed to align the priorities of community and economic well being. The Metropolitan Social Services office expects to continue its focus on local action based on proven results, including possibly instituting a Wellbeing Cabinet.
For more information: Metropolitan Social Services