Newsroom

The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. giving Tennesseans have a valuable opportunity to clean out their medicine cabinets while reducing the risk of substance misuse.

TDMHSAS is accepting new applications for its successful, multi-million dollar behavioral health scholarship program. The Pathways Behavioral Health Scholarship program provides up to $30,000 for students to pursue a master’s degree in a field related to behavioral health.

TDMHSAS is officially unveiling “Promise to Call,” a new effort to prevent suicide and save lives. The concept is simple: Make a promise to yourself that you will reach out to someone if you ever have thoughts of suicide. It can be a relative, a friend, a trusted advisor, or even 988.

TDMHSAS is celebrating a milestone in peer recovery services in the state. There are now 1,500 currently active Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS). And the milestone in the program comes as state leaders are unveiling a new endorsement in the certification program for people with lived experience in the criminal justice system.

TDMHSAS and TDEC encourage all Tennesseans to take part in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time. Take Back Day is an opportunity for people to take stock of the prescription and over the counter medications in their homes and safely and securely dispose of items that have expired or are no longer needed.

TDMHSAS is releasing $5.2 million in grant funding to create safe, quality, affordable housing for people living with mental illness, recovering from substance use disorder, and re-entering communities from incarceration. The department awarded grants from the Creating Homes Initiative (CHI) to 12 non-profit agencies across the state. In total, the agencies committed to create 101 new beds with the funding.

TDMHSAS is excited to announce the release of a new campaign to reduce stigma and increase awareness of mental health resources for first responders. Research shows first responders suffer from mental health and substance use disorders at a rate higher than civilians, but they can be resistant to seek support for several reasons. The toll of the job also takes a toll on their health, relationships, and careers.

With prom and graduation season approaching, TDMHSAS and TABC are teaming up to remind teens, parents, and retailers what responsible celebration looks like.

Tennessee's Opioid Abatement Council is opening a new opportunity for those affected by the opioid crisis to make their voices heard. Now through April 4, the Council is accepting applications for its Community Advocacy Panel.

Tennessee’s annual “Day of Hope" is set for March 10. The 2025 edition marks the 6th annual celebration of the role of hope as a powerful force for change in in the face of substance use and mental health challenges.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that the State of Tennessee will no longer move forward with plans to build a new psychiatric hospital on state-owned land at Moccasin Bend in Chattanooga. The decision is based on initial findings of an ongoing archeological review. This is the first archeological review that has been conducted since the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute was founded in 1961 and the State expects the final report to be delivered in November. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and Department of General Services (DGS) oversaw the survey on behalf of the State Building Commission.

Tennessee’s Opioid Abatement Council released its second Announcement of Funding for Community Grants. This offering will add $20 million dollars for approved opioid remediation activities to the tens of millions of dollars that are already flowing to provide services across the state.

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 Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are teaming up to raise awareness of underage drinking as students return to class for the new school year.

TDMHSAS is excited to announce the community mental health centers that are receiving grant contracts to open two new Crisis Stabilization Units and Walk-In Centers for Children. TDMHSAS will work with Mental Health Cooperative in Nashville and Alliance Healthcare Services in Memphis to open these new options for families with children in crisis.