Amerigroup Tennessee will donate 200 computers to local organizations and schools to increase access for continued education, virtual learning and telehealth services throughout Tennessee, including YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga.
The computers will support telehealth services, social distancing guidelines, virtual education, and access for online classes and college courses for students and families that live in underserved communities.
Many community partners and schools have expressed the need to connect virtually through affordable, innovative and creative solutions to promote health and education. In response, Amerigroup Tennessee has donated computers across the state to serve vulnerable and impacted communities during these unprecedented times.
“Amerigroup Tennessee, as a District Partner with Shelby County Schools has been invaluable,” said Dr. Dwayne Scott, manager, Shelby County Schools Family and Community Engagement Department. “Amerigroup’s unwavering commitment to serving the families of Shelby County Schools through its partnership with the District is greatly appreciated and highly valued. On behalf of the Department of Family and Community Engagement, we thank Amerigroup Tennessee for their unwavering partnership and we look forward to continued work toward our shared vision and mission of serving students and their families of the Memphis community.”
Officials said the donated computers provide students and people of the community with the necessary tools and resources to stay connected, promote health and wellness, and enable emotional and social support. The laptops help students keep up in school and help maintain the social connections critical to their well-being and development. Amerigroup Tennessee is committed to supporting programs that go beyond traditional healthcare support.
“As we enter uncharted territory during the current COVID-19 pandemic, we understand how critical it is for our students and families to feel connected to resources that may no longer feel safe to access at this time,” said Judy Robinson, program specialist, Metro Nashville Public Schools. “We appreciate Amerigroup Tennessee’s computer donation to our local high schools, which will support remote learning needs and provide access to telehealth services for our Metro Nashville Public Schools students and their families. Our hope is that these devices will travel with students as they journey to the next phase of life post-high school as well.”
Organizations in Tennessee receiving donated computers include:
Chattanooga: YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga
Covington: Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region
Decaturville: Decatur County Schools
Franklin: Franktown Open Hearts
Henderson: Chester County Schools
Jackson: Boys & Girls Club of Jackson
Jackson: Jackson-Madison County School System
Knoxville: United Way of Greater Knoxville
Lexington: Henderson County Schools
Memphis: Shelby County Schools
Nashville: Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee
Nashville: Metro Nashville Public Schools - Community Achieves
Nashville: Robert Churchwell Elementary School
Nashville: Wright Middle School
Nashville: Love Cathedral Ministries
Savannah: Hardin County Schools
Selmer: McNairy County Schools
“We are grateful for the opportunity to provide computers to our local communities as we work through this pandemic together,” said Robert Garnett, president, Amerigroup Tennessee. “This is part of Amerigroup’s coordinated response to COVID-19, supporting programs that improve health and enhance overall quality of life for our members, community organizations, healthcare workers and frontline responders.”