Vanderbilt readies for conference, arrival of President, Vice President
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center campus will be a very busy place later this month with the arrival of President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and the Vice President's annual Family Re-Union policy conference.
This year's conference is scheduled for June 22-23 and will explore the effects of a rapidly evolving health care environment on the complex and changing needs of America's families and children.
Additional security measures and the presence of more than 1,000 conference participants at Langford Auditorium and other locations across the Vanderbilt campus means VUMC staff and faculty should expect street closures, parking lot closures and changes in some shuttle routes during the two-day conference.
Details were still developing at press time, but according to Gene Ornes, director of Medical Center Traffic and Parking, staff and faculty can expect the following:
o The first, second and third floors of Light Hall will be closed both days. This includes the Medical School Bookstore and medical student lockers.
o Pedestrian traffic around Langford Auditorium may at times be restricted due to security reasons.
o Lots 9 and 10 will be closed from 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 22, until 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. Regular parkers in lot 10 can park in the Capers Garage. Lot 9 parkers will park in the hospital garage, and will be given the appropriate passes.
o Garland Avenue on the north side of the VUMC campus, from the University Club to the Round Wing of Medical Center North will be closed from 8:30 a.m. on Monday until 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
o Shuttle service for Medical Center North that normally loads and unloads in the circle drive will relocate to 22nd Avenue South and Garland Avenue during the same times.
o Patient care activity for the Round Wing will also be relocated to 22nd Avenue South and Garland Avenue.
o Alternate plans should be made for any deliveries scheduled for the Round Wing, Vice Chancellor's office, Student Health Center, Animal Care, Residence 7, the Stevenson Center and the Learned Lab.
To further limit inconveniences during the two-day conference, staff, faculty and students are encouraged to make sure they have their identification badges with them at all times.
As more details become available, fliers will be distributed throughout the medical center, Ornes said.
For more information, contact Marilyn Yager, director of Health Policy Development, at 322-2151.