TDMHSAS is expanding its substance use prevention services with funding for three additional organizations. With new funding extended to Substance Use Prevention Coalitions in Wilson, Cannon, and Greene Counties, TDMHSAS funds 46 coalitions across the state.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee launched the new School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families, a practical resource to help parents prepare and engage in their child’s school safety plan.

TDMHSAS is encouraging all Tennesseans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. local time.

TDMHSAS is receiving a new five-year, $3,000,000 grant to support families and children affected by opioids and other substance misuse. The Regional Partnership Grant through the Federal Administration for Children and Families is designed to increase the well-being, improve permanency, and enhance safety of children who are in or are at risk of out of home placement due to a parent or caregiver’s opioid or other substance misuse.

TDMHSAS is receiving new grant funding to continue a mental health program for youth and young adults in Shelby County. A $400,000 federal grant through SAMHSA will allow the department to continue the Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P) program in Memphis.

TDMHSAS is excited to welcome Mary Shelton as the Executive Director of Tennessee’s Opioid Abatement Council. As Executive Director, Shelton provides day-to-day leadership, management, and oversight for the functions of the Council, directly supports Council members, and will supervise Council staff.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released a video update on key actions the Lee administration has taken to enhance school safety following Executive Order 97, which directed state agencies to engage parents, increase transparency and collaborate with local law enforcement and school districts.

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.

Tennessee’s Project Rural Recovery is growing. Thanks to $6.3 million budgeted in the current fiscal year by Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, Project Rural Recovery is expanding to ten new counties.

A top leader in the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has been selected to the next cohort of a prestigious fellowship program.

“We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness.” As I recently read those words about one of the best singer-songwriters in my lifetime, I was struck by how many people are struggling with untreated mental illness across our great state and how many families have experienced a similar tragic loss of life. A loss that in many cases might have been prevented if they knew about the mental health supports that are available. Supports that I would like to focus on for this Month of Mental Health Awareness.

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is pausing to observe National Fentanyl Awareness Day (May 10). The day is a remembrance of those lost to fentanyl poisoning and to raise awareness of resources and information to save lives.

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.

TDMHSAS is publishing a series of twelve new videos highlighting individuals who work in Tennessee’s Recovery Courts. Tennessee has a total of 82 Recovery Courts which offer a rigorous program of treatment, testing, and therapy as an alternative to incarceration.

TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams has been named as Advisory Board Chair to the Council of State Governments Justice Center. In this role, Williams will leverage her extensive leadership, policy, and oversight experience to help guide the CSG Justice Center’s efforts to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities.