Newsroom

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding everyone to take precautions to avoid tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the many beautiful state parks and other amazing locations Tennessee has to offer.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health will offer health leaders, partners, and stakeholders insight on new funding opportunities in the Tennessee Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) with an information session and overview at 10:00 a.m., Central, on Tue., March 31, 2026.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is providing statewide information following more than 30 fatal overdoses statewide, since October 2025, associated with a newly identified opioid known as cychlorphine.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, State Rep. Scott Cepicky, the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and AAA today urged parents and caregivers to utilize the free ‘Baby in the Back’ car hangtag program to help reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths in children during the summer months.

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.

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.

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.

Today Secretary of State Tre Hargett, the Department of Health and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced a statewide partnership to distribute free Baby in the Back hangtags to help prevent heat-related child deaths in cars.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dr. Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), effective January 16. Dr. Alvarado will succeed Interim Health Commissioner Dr. Morgan McDonald, MD, FACP, FAAP.

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Department of Health today issued new guidance and information around fentanyl and what to do in case of a potential exposure.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Dr. Morgan McDonald, MD, FACP, FAAP, as interim commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), effective Friday, June 3.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) released the following actions and guidance regarding the nationwide infant formula shortage.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey’s departure from state government to enter the private sector, effective May 31. Lee will name a successor in the coming weeks.

Spring cleaning season is here, and people across Tennessee are preparing to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely and securely dispose of medications that are expired or no longer needed during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Take Back Day is this Saturday, April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time.

Tennessee state leaders are encouraging Tennesseans to participate in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, October 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Take Back Day provides an opportunity for people to account for the prescription medications in their homes and safely and securely dispose of the medications they no longer need.