Governor Lee is proposing a budget that will truly result in transformational and generational change for the lives that we touch. In all, Governor Lee’s FY21 budget proposal includes nearly $33 million in new funding for our department.

TDMHSAS is proud to announce five community-based behavioral health agencies that will be instrumental in the state’s efforts to increase housing opportunities for people recovering from substance use disorder.

TDMHSAS is continuing the state’s leadership in improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities through a new grant award. Tennessee is one of 13 Capacity Building States identified for the Visionary Opportunities to Increase Competitive Employment (VOICE) program through the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy.

This holiday season, I want you to give yourself a gift that always fits, is never the wrong color, and can definitely be re-gifted – Better Mental Health.

TDMHSAS is proud to unveil a new web-based video series profiling the stories of 14 Tennesseans who are Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. The CPRS program trains individuals with lived experience of mental illness, substance use, or co-occurring disorder to use their past history and journey to recovery to benefit others

TDMHSAS is honored to receive a regional Emmy® Award nomination for the second consecutive year. The recognition from the Nashville / Midsouth Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honors the department’s Statewide Crisis Line media campaign in the Public Service Announcement Spot category.

Tennesseans have a life-saving opportunity to prevent addiction in their homes and communities by participating in the 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, this Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

TDMHSAS is joining schools across the state and nation to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31. The celebration is a time for youth, educators, parents, and communities to learn about the dangers of drug use and prevent addiction.

TDMHSAS, TN Department of Correction, and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Tennessee announced today a new grant that will expand Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and techniques to eight new counties. The expansion is focusing on Sumner, Wilson, Smith, DeKalb, White, Putnam, Overton, and Cumberland Counties.

TDMHSAS is receiving more than $200,000 in new funding to improve the response for Tennesseans seeking help through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

TDMHSAS is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Sanford Herman as the department’s medical director for community behavioral health. Dr. Herman has 35 years of experience as an emergency department physician and is a past president of the Tennessee College of Emergency Physicians.

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services today premiered its One Team|One Vision video profiles featuring the stories of people across the state who are working at the community level to improve the lives of Tennesseans affected by substance use disorder.

Tennessee is a finalist in four categories for national awards that will be announced during a ceremony in October in Nashville. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) selected 30 finalists across 10 categories for the State IT Recognition Awards.

To mark International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and its partners are conducting a week of awareness events to empower people to create change and reduce deadly drug overdoses in their communities.

Grantees receiving new state funding to prevent suicide and promote better mental health among young Tennesseans are planning innovative ways to rise to the challenge of reducing the state’s number of unnecessary deaths. Ideas to make an impact include a statewide expansion of a successful program, new outreach and interface with pediatricians, and a social media campaign to reach young people.