TN.gov Newsroom

NASHVILLE – In an effort to reduce the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse disorders, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities will be hosting a second Operation Immersion training November 5 and 6, 2009 in Smyrna, Tenn. The department has partnered with the Tennessee National Guard and the Tennessee Veterans Task Force to present this one-and-a-half day training, which focuses on military culture and issues unique to Tennessee National Guard Service members who have served in combat and experienced one or multiple deployments and their families.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities has received a $9 million grant from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to implement a coordinated system of care for youth in Knox County over the next six years, called the K-Town Youth Empowerment Network. Effective September 30, 2009, the grant is a result of the partnership between the department, Tennessee Voices for Children, the Helen Ross McNabb Center, and the Centerstone Research Institute. 

NASHVILLE –With unemployment on the rise, many Tennesseans find themselves feeling edgy, worried, and sad. It is common to experience extra stress during tough financial times, but when these negative feelings persist and prevent you from doing daily activities and interacting with others, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

NASHVILLE – In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4 - 10, 2009), the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities is encouraging Tennesseans to increase their awareness of mental health and illness.  

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities announces the opening of four medically-monitored crisis detoxification units in East and West Tennessee. The units are operating out of community mental health and alcohol and drug agencies in Chattanooga, Jackson, Knoxville and Memphis. A fifth unit will open later this year in Nashville to serve Middle Tennessee.

NASHVILLE – September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery month. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this event, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities would like to recognize all Tennesseans who are currently in recovery and those who are working toward recovery from past drug and alcohol abuse.  With proper treatment and supports, recovery is definitely possible for all persons facing the illness of drug and alcohol abuse. 

NASHVILLE – Five Community Anti-Drug Coalitions from Tennessee will each receive $625,000 in new federal Drug Free Communities grant funds over the next five years. The grants, which begin October 1, 2009, will provide funding to involve and engage each coalition’s local community to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug abuse among youth. 

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Virginia Trotter Betts has been re-elected president of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. Betts begins her second term as president this month. She has previously served on the NASMHPD Board of Directors, as the representative for the Southern Region and then as Vice President.

Artists from Across the State Gather in Legislative Plaza

NASHVILLE – May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Month, and on Monday the Fourth Annual Art for Awareness Day held at Legislative Plaza featured the works of 35 artists in recovery from mental illness. The special event was co-sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Middle Tennessee Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition.

NASHVILLE – In recognition of Mental Health Month, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities is encouraging Tennesseans to increase their awareness of mental health and mental illness by understanding the fundamental nature of mental health to overall health as well as the destructive nature of stigma in our society.