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The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Department of Health join with people across the state to recognize August 31st as Overdose Awareness Day. Events including candlelight vigils, trainings, and stigma-busting activities are planned across Tennessee.

NASHVILLE – As Tennesseans enjoy outdoor activities this summer, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds everyone to take simple and preventive steps to avoid mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases.

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 18, 2024, that will include a formal process for the public to comment on Ballad Health’s compliance with the Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA).

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and multiple other states to investigate botulism-like illness after reported botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes. Joint investigations have identified concerns about use of counterfeit products or products with unclear origin administered in non-medical settings such as homes or cosmetic spas.

NASHVILLE – In response to the USDA confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in four states, the State Veterinarian has ordered a movement restriction on dairy cattle coming to Tennessee from the affected premises.

NASHVILLE – The work of Tennessee’s public health professional’s impacts lives every day. The Tennessee Department of Health is proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of these public health heroes during National Public Health Week.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding consumers not to eat any of the recently recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree or cinnamon applesauce pouches manufactured by WanaBana USA, under three brand names. The pouches should be thrown away immediately.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Ralph Avarado, MD, FACP, in consultation with Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti today announced that Joe Landsman will replace Larry Fitzgerald as the Ballad COPA monitor. In his new role, Landsman will be responsible for evaluating the continued public advantage of the COPA by monitoring Ballad’s compliance with the COPA and the terms of certification and working with the department and Attorney General’s office to assess Ballad’s performance against the established index measures.

The Tennessee Departments of Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Safety & Homeland Security, and the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) are partnering on a public health and safety campaign, “DON’T LET ALCOHOL RUIN THE HOLIDAYS,” to educate Tennesseans about the dangers of excessive alcohol use and promote safe alcohol practices.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is receiving a $5.4 million grant from the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action program to strengthen the State’s ongoing efforts to address the opioid overdose crisis and reduce opioid-related harms.

NASHVILLE - This October and November, the Tennessee Department of Health is promoting breast and lung cancer awareness with the annual Pink & Pearl Campaign.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Dept. of Health and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture will air drop oral rabies vaccine packets along Tennessee’s borders with Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, beginning Oct. 3, 2023.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is encouraging all Tennesseans not to wait to get their annual flu vaccinations as the best prevention against getting or spreading the flu virus.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is receiving national recognition today in its efforts to advance age-friendly, public health policies and practices statewide in communities and health systems.

On this International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, Tennessee pauses to remember the neighbors we have lost to overdose deaths, lift up the families touched by tragedy, and celebrate the brave men and women who have survived overdose and are living examples of recovery.