A clinic in Hermitage, which served hundreds of patients with complex intellectual and developmental disabilities, is closing at the end of this month. As it was the only such healthcare facility in Tennessee, many families are devastated.
The Kramer Davis Clinic currently provides primary, dental, and psychiatric care to approximately 650 patients statewide. Many families travel four hours to reach the clinic.
The clinic is equipped with a sensory room, wheelchair accessibility, and staff trained to work with patients with special needs.
For parents like Leigh Ankeny, the clinic has been life-changing. Her son, Noah, had been without dental care for years until they found the Kramer Davis Clinic.
“We were turned away so many times because Noah wasn’t an easy patient for dental care,” Ankeny said. “When we came here, they said, ‘Come on.’”
Other families have similar stories. Lindy Booth explained that regular medical and dental care has significantly improved her son’s sleep and overall health.
“He’s more productive during the day, and it’s so much easier to live with someone who’s well-rested. That’s a huge benefit,” she said.
Families were devastated when they learned the clinic would close on September 26th due to a loss of private funding. Within hours of the news, dozens of parents and patients came forward to share their stories and plead for support.
“This place shouldn’t close—it should expand,” said parent Heather May. “I’m pleading with the governor, I’m pleading with anyone with the resources to help us keep this place open.”
Clinic Director Mira Gandhi emphasized Kramer Davis’ impact, not only on patients but also on the entire state.
“We’re seeing improved patient outcomes, fewer emergency room visits, fewer ICU stays, less psychiatric medication use, and fewer hospitalizations. That saves taxpayers money,” she said.
Although the clinic is nearly self-sustaining, it still needs additional funding to survive. Leaders are currently calling on state officials for urgent intervention. “We just need a little help to keep going,” Gandhi said. “It’s good for the patients and good for the state of Tennessee.”