TDMHSAS Extends Grant Funding to New Substance Use Prevention Coalitions

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is expanding its substance use prevention services with funding for three additional organizations.  With new funding extended to Substance Use Prevention Coalitions in Wilson, Cannon, and Greene Counties, TDMHSAS funds 46 coalitions across the state.

Substance Use Prevention Coalitions work to reduce dependence on harmful and potentially lethal substances such as prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.  Coalitions are visible in their communities working with schools, local leaders, and business partners to stop addiction before it starts.  Coalitions also support innovative and proactive strategies to reduce addiction and support recovery by working with first responders and law enforcement, training individuals on overdose and distributing naloxone, and communicating the dangers of substance use.

“Our state’s substance use prevention coalitions are some of the most amazing and proactive organizations working in the area of behavioral health,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.  “The coalitions receiving this funding are a great cross-section of how this strategy can work in communities all across Tennessee.  We are excited to extend this new funding, and we can’t wait to hear about the lives that will be forever changed as a result.”

Ways that coalitions benefit the communities they serve include:

• Engaging Youth in Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco-Free Events
• Placing Drug Take-Back Boxes
• Holding Drug Take-Back Events
• Educating Alcohol and Tobacco Retailers
• Communicating the Dangers of Substance Use Through Media Opportunities
• Organizing Stakeholders to Promote Creation of Treatment and Recovery Resources

To learn more about Substance Use Prevention Coalitions in Tennessee, please visit TN.gov/behavioral-health/coalitions