Tennessee's Day of Hope
We're excited to celebrate today as Tennessee's Day of Hope in overcoming mental health and substance use issues. Whether it’s hope for a new life in recovery, hope for long-prayed-for reconnection with family, or hope for healing and happiness, hope is a force for good in our state. Our partners have planned events in communities across the state to mark the day. Learn more and find an event in your area at this link: www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/dayofhope https://www.facebo
D.A. Charme Allen to Meet with Students to Prevent Drug Abuse
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – District Attorney Charme Allen is working to open lines of communication with local students; the goal is to prevent drug abuse. D.A. Allen is set to visit two Knoxville schools this week. She is working to hear from students about their knowledge of prescription medication abuse, as well as general awareness of fentanyl. This Thursday’s focus groups of 8-12 students will meet at Central High School at noon, then at Karns High School at 2 p.m. Allen
House, Senate Differ Greatly on Medical Marijuana
One side takes a more conservative outlook House and Senate lawmakers are taking vastly different approaches on a bill that would allow Tennesseans to obtain and use medical cannabis. On Tuesday, a House committee approved a measure that would legalize marijuana oils, tinctures, lotions and pills for medical purposes. Joints, vapes and most edible products would still be banned. But on Wednesday, a Senate committee took a much more conservative approach, delaying a decision o
Recovery Isn't Done Alone; Tennessee Program Connects People Struggling with Addiction with Peop
People struggling to overcome addiction sometimes need someone to help them through it, especially someone who understands their struggles. So, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services hired five new Lifeline peer project coordinators who will help people in rural areas overcome substance abuse issues. They will be placed in counties throughout Tennessee, including in Cocke and Scott counties. New Lifeline coordinators will also be based in Grund
Opioid Company That Sent 87M Pills to TN Inks Settlement
An English pharmaceutical company that shipped opioid pills to the U.S. by the billions has agreed to a tentative, sweeping $1.6 billion settlement that should fund rehabilitation programs across the country for years to come. Mallinckrodt announced Tuesday it had reached an agreement with a committee of lawyers representing thousands of local governments suing opioid manufacturers, and that the deal had the support of the attorneys general of 47 states and territories. The c