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.

Longtime state employee Liz Ledbetter today received the Hank Pirowski Award for her efforts to create and expand Veterans Treatment Courts in Tennessee. The award was presented by Justice for Vets in National Harbor, MD at the annual conference of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

The Tennessee REDLINE unveiled its new text message capability for people seeking a referral to addiction treatment services. The number for confidential referrals via voice call or text message remains the same: 800-889-9789.

More Tennesseans are now eligible for free mental health services through the state’s Behavioral Health Safety Net program. New, broader eligibility criteria take effect today (July 1, 2019) increasing the number of uninsured, underinsured, and indigent people who can receive services through the program.

TDMHSAS is adding seven new team members and 19 new counties to its Tennessee Recovery Navigator program. With the expansion, the TN Recovery Navigators program is adding coverage in rural areas at both ends of the state, the Cumberland Plateau, and suburban areas around Nashville.

TDMHSAS today released a report on the usage of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) techniques across the state noting the successes seen in areas where the specialized training for law enforcement is improving outcomes for residents living with mental illness.

The Departments of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and Environment and Conservation (TDEC) are urging Tennesseans to do their part to address addiction in Tennessee by participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The 17th National Take Back Day is this Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.