In an effort to show appreciation for those behind the lines of the nation’s health crisis with the coronavirus, Music Row and Nashville’s creative community have come together in support of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) staff with the launch of Gratitunes on Monday (March 30).
Since March 30 serves as National Doctors’ Day, the Nashville community is taking time to thank its doctors. Brad Paisley kicks off the program with the first dedicated ‘Gratitune’ from his Instagram today. Gratitunes is a consumer-generated music platform to celebrate and thank members of the VUMC family through the power of music during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the next 30 days, a new artist each day will send a ‘Gratitune’ on their personal Instagram page to thank local doctors for their services during this difficult time. Lauren Alaina, Sara Evans, Amy Grant, Dustin Lynch, Jewel, Shane McAnally and Walker Hayes will all take part in the campaign.
Those interested in sharing their own ‘Gratitune’ playlist can visit gratitunes.com. Each playlist will be made available to all COVID-19 VUMC Assessment Sites and the hospital in an effort to lessen stress and anxiety as well as lift spirits.
“We treasure the support we receive from our music industry colleagues and all of Nashville’s outstanding artists,” Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, president and CEO of VUMC and Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, tells Billboard in a statement. “They are incredibly generous with their time and resources, supporting our mission to provide world-class care to all those we serve. This amazing support through Gratitunes is so terrific, so Nashville and lifts our spirits!”
Donations will also be accepted on the Gratitunes website to help with medical supplies, COVID-19 protection materials and childcare services for VUMC’s medical staff who continue to fight the pandemic. Over 25,000 doctors, nurses and staff work at the Vanderbilt campus located in Nashville, Tenn. For more information on the campaign and ways to help, visit gratitunes.com.
