Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

04/08/2026

During Second Chance Month, we honor the resilience of people rebuilding their lives and the communities that believe in hope, healing, and opportunity. People are more than their past.

04/07/2026

Consider this your sign…

To write a grant for our latest announcement of funding!

TDMHSAS is seeking applications from Shelby County organizations that are interested in becoming our grant funded partner in some lifesaving work. Applicants can submit proposals for any or all of the following programs: Substance Use Prevention Coalition, Lifeline Peer Project, First Responder Care Coordination and Community Response. These programs increase community awareness of risk, resources, and recovery options across Memphis and Shelby County. Learn more about this opportunity and apply by May 15: https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/department-funding-opportunities.html

04/01/2026

April is Second Chance Month- a time to recognize that a person’s past should not define their future. Too many people face barriers while trying to reenter society. This month, we’re highlighting hope, dignity, and pathways forward in Tennessee.

03/30/2026

Amazing. Incredible. Worthy.

Commissioner Williams spent her Sunday with the Women of Worth Retreat. This annual gathering of dozens of women of faith in the recovery field is always a meaningful and spiritual event. Commissioner Williams says: “It was a blessing to spend time with each and every one of these amazing women. How fortunate are we in this state to be able to join with women of divine calling and purpose on the path to recovery for all!”

03/27/2026

A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, is linked to fatal overdoses in Tennessee. This serves as a timely reminder that carrying naloxone can save a life.

Naloxone works to reverse an opioid overdose, even with stronger substances in the drug supply.
Tennessee’s Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) provide free training, overdose education, and naloxone resources in communities across all 95 counties. Reach out to your local ROPS to get connected.

If you suspect an overdose: call 911, give naloxone, provide rescue breaths if you can, and stay with the person until help arrives.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is warning the public about a newly-identified synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, that has been associated with more than 30 overdose…

03/27/2026

Don’t place our kids in danger by giving them drugs or alcohol this prom and graduation season. Serving alcohol to minors is trouble for both you and them.
Protect them!

03/25/2026

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 is Drug Take Back Day!

If you go in your medicine cabinet, drawers, closet- there’s probably an expired or unused medication or two. What do you do with them? Just throwing them away has its dangers.

Safely and anonymously dispose of prescription medications by dropping them off at participating locations on Drug Take Back Day! Find your closest participating location at dea.gov/takebackday.

03/23/2026

3/27/26 Update: The portal is now closed. Thank you for your interest. Learn more about our TN Pathways Behavioral Health Scholarship program at tn.gov/behavioral-health/scholarship

03/10/2026

On this 7th annual Day of Hope, Commissioner Marie Williams shares her gratitude to everyone who is spreading the hope of recovery and wellness to Tennesseans who are hurting.

03/03/2026

One week away!

We’re so grateful to Governor Lee for proclaiming Tennessee’s Day of Hope on March 10th. This is the seventh annual commemoration for this event centered on the restorative power of hope. Join us in marking this day by attending an event in your area. Find one near you on our event calendar at the link in our comments.

03/02/2026

This week is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Week! Teaching young children how to feel and communicate their emotions lays a strong foundation for their development. We’ve compiled different ways to intentionally teach children about not only their feelings, but the feelings of others.

Whether it’s a feelings chart, songs, art, or books, there are so many ways to weave in learning about feelings into everyday activities! If you do any of these or have your own, we would love to hear from you! Respond in the comments or tag us in your teaching moments.

If your family is experiencing challenging behaviors with kids under six, RIP is here to help. Learn more at tn.gov/parenting-that-works.

Content from challengingbehavior.org

03/01/2026

An opportunity to brag on our Faith-Based Initiative? We’ll take it!

Rep. Johnny Shaw’s question was the perfect opportunity to remind everyone of the statewide resources that are available to communities of faith completely free of charge. We have Faith-Based Community Coordinators serving all of Tennessee’s 95 counties, and they stand ready to help people of faith engage in the mental health and substance use issues that are going on in their communities and in their pews. Please reach out today!

Tdmhsas Office of Faith-Based Initiatives
Southeast TN Faith-Based Coordinator