Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner

List Your Upcoming Event

Click Here for the submission form, complete, save, and send to Lorene.Lambert@tn.gov.
Call (615) 253-4812 if you have questions.
Allow 24 hours for your event to appear.

Photos That Heal
Exhibit - April 22-June 21, 2013
Photographer’s Reception - May 1, 2013
Laskey Building, 2nd floor
Scarritt-Bennet Campus
1008, 19th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212

Reception: Wed., May 1, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (CT)
Exhibition Hours: Mon.-Sat., 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Sun., 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT)

Ansel Adams once observed, “A photograph is usually looked at – seldom looked into.” If we pause long enough and are drawn into an image, we may see what healing it offers. The photographs selected for this exhibition have been chosen to allow the viewer to travel on a journey of seeing and exploring each one by noticing the designs, textures, composition, and color while pausing long enough to simply “be” within the image and “listen” to what it has to say.

The works of Sandy Burr, Sharon Brown Christopher, Susan hay, Sue Henry, Renee Lowery and Mary Rice are featured in the exhibition. Susan Hay curated the exhibit which is presented by The Femme Photogs Cooperative, a community of women photographers committed to the enhancement of each other’s art through cooperative learning, resourcing, photography outings, and exhibitions.

For more informaiton email jsohl@scarrittbennett.org or call (615) 340-7500. Parking is available in the metered spaces on 19th Ave. S., or in the SBC parking lots accessible from 18th Ave. S. with parking lot A being the most convenient to Laskey. Visitwww.scarrittbennett.org for a calendar of Happenings on campus.

May, 2013
Call for MH Agency & Organization Participation!
For June 14, 2013
UPS Memphis Preload Annual Health Fair
2971 Carrier Street
Memphis, TN 38116

8:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Mental health, dental, vision, life blood, disease awareness, chiropractor, and other medical agencies and organizations are welcome to participate in this annual health fair for UPS employees of the Memphis area. The fair is held to promote wellness and inform employees about resources available to them in the region. Please contact Justina Jennings at (901) 283-8087 or at MAS1JLJ@UPS.COM about your interest in participating in this fair.

May-June 28, 2013
Statewide Call for Poetry and Personal Essays
From Tennessee Consumer Writers
Theme: “Faith, Hope and Recovery in Letters 2013”

DEADLINE: Friday, June 28, 2013 for email or snail mail entries.

Share your thoughts on resiliency, recovery, hope, and success in the face of adversity and life experiences. Writing can be a poem or personal essay, using the theme, as it is reflected in your own journey. Drawings to illustrate your writings are also accepted. Writings accepted from individuals in mental health and addiction recovery as well as family members, counselors, advocates and professionals.

Length: Up to 400 words
Limit: Two (2) entries per person
Format: Print or Type your writings entry on white, 8 ½ X 11 inch paper and mail with Receipt to:
Writings, P.O. Box 23584, Nashville, TN 37202 or Fax: (615) 665-9590.
Receipt: Send a completed 2013 Writings Receipt, Click Here, with your entry and include your answer to this question: “How did writing this work make you feel?” Submit your entries as a Word document along with the Receipt to the healingartsproject@gmail.com.

From all of the entries, some will be chosen to include in the next edition of Letters. From those selections, some writers will be chosen to read their entries during the “Service of Hope,” October 6, 2013 to celebrate Mental Illness Awareness Week. Entries will not be returned. Call Jane Baxter at (615) 594-4642 if you have any questions.

May, 2013
Psychological First Aid for Schools
Field Operations Guide - 2nd Edition Released
National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for PTSD are pleased to make the Psychological First Aid for Schools Field Operations Guide and accompanying handouts available. Psychological First Aid for Schools is an evidence-informed approach for assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families in the aftermath of a school crisis, disaster, or terrorism event. Visit http://www.nctsn.org/content/psychological-first-aid-schoolspfa to download the manual.

May 20-24, 2013
Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS)
TDMHSAS Training
Jackson, Tennessee

Formerly called Certified Peer Specialist, the newly titled training program, funded by a SAMHSA grant and administered by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, enables peer recovery services to be provided by a CPRS and identified as medically necessary for reimbursement by TennCare; signifies the importance of peers who have lived the experience with mental illness and/or substance use disorders; and introduces the redesigned program to those seeking certification. The weeklong training is provided without cost. Applications are online at http://tn.gov/mental/recovery/oca3.shtml. Dates will be added soon for Memphis, Chattanooga and Johnson City.

Click Here to learn more and call (615) 741-7693 for more information.

May 31, 2013
Mind Matters: A Children’s Mental Health Summit
Just Care Family Network (JCFN)
Salvation Army Kroc Center
800 E Parkway South
Memphis, TN 38104

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (CT)

This forum, coming at the end of our month-long celebration of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month, is designed to promote greater awareness of the issues facing children with mental health challenges among local mental health providers, community agencies, community resources, legislators, educators and, most importantly, the youth and family members who are the experts in determining the needs of their family. Click Here for more information on Breakout Sessions and share the flyer with others. RSVP to: Jerica.Phillips@shelbycountytn.gov or call (901) 222-4503.

The Just Care Family Network (JCFN) is a collaboration of stakeholders working in partnership to provide a coordinated System of Care for children and youth with serious emotional disturbance and their families. Enrolled youth and their families engage in a wraparound process which supports improved functioning in the home, school and community. The goal of JCFN is to offer an effective approach to delivering mental health services and system transformation through an enhanced culturally competent, family-driven, and coordinated system of care. One of the program’s goals is to reach the disproportionate number of African-American youth in the juvenile justice system with undiagnosed, untreated mental health needs. JCFN serves children and youth ages 5-19, and is federally funded from 2008-2014. Visit www.jcfnmemphis.org to learn more.

June 4, 2013
Middle Tennessee Chapter
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Pickin' for Prevention
The Wildhorse Saloon
Second Avenue North
Nashville, TN

Doors open at 6 p.m. (CT)

Great songwriters belt out their hits and tell the stories behind them. Writers include Randy Owen, Dallas Davidson, Sherrie Austin, Brian White, Frank Myers, Rob Hatch, Kylie Sackley and many more. Proceeds benefit the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Click Here for a poster with more information. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com. Click Here to purchase tickets. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

June 6, 2013
Forensic Evaluator Initial Certification Training
Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute
221 Stewarts Ferry Pike
Nashville, TN 37214

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Initial Forensic Evaluator Training covers the laws governing court-ordered mental health evaluations on criminal defendants and procedures for conducting these evaluations, including clinical and professional standards.

Formal certification is required for licensed mental health professionals who are employed by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at one of the department’s Regional Mental Health Institutes or at one of the agencies contracted by the department to conduct outpatient evaluations.

Other licensed mental health professionals interested in the content are welcome to attend and are furnished a letter documenting 6.5 contact hours of training. Click Here for Agenda and Registration information. If you have questions, call (615) 253-8401. Hosted by the Forensic Services staff of the TDMHSAS.

June 6-7, 2013
Introduction to the DSM-5
Trevecca Nazarene University
Boone Convocation Center
333 Murfreesboro Road
Nashville, TN 37210

REGISTER NOW! SEATING IS LIMITED
No registrations accepted after May 31

A two-day workshop to provide a comprehensive overview of the DSM-5. All Licensed Mental Health Professionals must receive training about the changes in the new manual. This workshop will describe the development process, the new organization of the manual, and major changes in diagnoses. Advantages and disadvantages also will be reviewed. Dr. K. Dayle Jones, Former ACA DSM-5 Task Force Chair is the key speaker. Hosted by the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association. Sponsored by TLPCA, Treveca, TAMHO and TAADAS. Click Here for complete information and registration form. Click Here to view the information online.

June 10, 2013
The First Annual Aging & Behavioral Health Symposium
Trevecca Community Church
333 Murfreesboro Road
Nashville, TN 37210

Alzheimer's disease, health care decisions, and Medicare are the often topics associated with aging, but there are other taboos often not discussed among senior citizens - from substance use and co-occurring disorders to the fact that 70-year-old brains are different from 30-year-old brains. This symposium provides time information from some of Tennessee's best speakers on topics you need in order to better serve aging Baby Boomers and senior citizens.

After completing the workshop, attendees will be able to:

For more information, click here, or go online to http://www.mhamt.org/.

June 12-13, 2013
6th Annual National Suicide and the Black Church Conference
“Life Matters”
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
800 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38163

Wed., June 12: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. (CT)
Welcome and Opening Plenaries

Thurs. June 13: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT)
Workshops, Luncheon, Dynamic Speakers and Presenters

This conference includes topics on bullying, veterans, seniors, intervention and prevention, wellness, depression, domestic violence, stress, burn-out, campus violence, and sexual abuse and how they relate to suicide. It is hosted by the The Healing Center of Memphis, the University of Tennessee, Memphis, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS). Participants will receive certificates for attendance.

One of our special guests this year is Sirdeaner Lynn Walker of Springfield, MA, who lost her 11-year-old son to suicide after being bullied by classmates. She has appeared on many news and talk shows sharing her tragic story. She has testified before the United States Congress Joint Subcommittees on Early Education, Elementary and Secondary Education and vowed to do everything she can to make sure no other mother has to experience the agony of losing a child to senseless bullying. Additionally, we have invited Commissioner Doug Varney, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, mayors, local officials and faith leaders.

Many churches, community agencies and companies, the University of Tennessee and the State of Tennessee are partnering with us to get this message out. If you would like to be a co-sponsor by placing an ad in our booklet or display your agency with a booth, please call the office. For a flyer of Conference Speakers and a Pre-Registration Form, Click Here. For more information, call (901) 370-4673 or visit www.memphishealingcenter.com. The conference hotel is the Holiday Inn Express, 1180 Union Ave. in Memphis, Tennessee. For Sponsorship Guidelines, Click Here.

June 17-21, 2013
Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS)
TDMHSAS Training
Knoxville, Tennessee

Formerly called Certified Peer Specialist, the newly titled training program, funded by a SAMHSA grant and administered by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, enables peer recovery services to be provided by a CPRS and identified as medically necessary for reimbursement by TennCare; signifies the importance of peers who have lived the experience with mental illness and/or substance use disorders; and introduces the redesigned program to those seeking certification. The weeklong training is provided without cost. Applications are online at http://tn.gov/mental/recovery/oca3.shtml. Dates will be added soon for Memphis, Chattanooga and Johnson City.

Click Here to learn more and call (615) 741-7693 for more information.

June 23-28, 2013
Tennessee Teen Institute
Tennessee Tech University
1 Williams L. Jones Drive
Cookeville, TN 38505

The Jackson Area Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency (JACOA)hosts an exciting and educational 5-day youth leadership assembly. Tennessee Tech provides education and training for teens, ages 13-18 in areas of personal development, leadership, and alcohol/drug abuse prevention. The mission is to challenge the youth of Tennessee to unlock their potential, lead by example, and take a proactive role in making a positive impact in their own communities. Participants will enjoy outstanding keynote presenters and workshops as well as fun-filled night time activities. Click Here for a brochure.

If your school, church, or organization is interested in sponsoring a group to attend this assembly, or you would like more information, contact the Teen Institute Director at JOCA (731) 423-3653 or visit www.tntenninstitute.net. Media inquiries to Kristi Townes at kristit@jacoa.org or call (731) 423-2653.

June 27-30, 2013
NAMI National Convention
“Together We Can Make A Difference”
Grand Hyatt Hotel
600 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit www.nami.org to register and learn more about the highlights, exhibits, and speakers for the annual national convention. Early Bird registration deadline is May 31, 2013 for discounted rates. For questions, email convention@nami.org.

July 18-19, 2013
Grant Management Workshop
Avon Williams Campus of TSU
312 Rose L. Parks Avenue
Nashville, TN 37219

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CT)

Beginning and experienced grant managers will benefit. Learn what to do after your government grants arrive. We will help you hone your grant administration skills and arm you with extensive knowledge of the compliance requirements that all grantees must meet when managing federal funds.

Click Here to register and for more information on the workshop and available hotels. Hosted by the State of Tennessee and the Department of Economic and Community Development. Government, nonprofits, schools and more will benefit. You do not need to work in the same profession the host agency. Tuition is $425 per person and includes workbook and all resource materials. Various CEUs and university credit are available for this workshop. If you attended the April Workshop you can receive $100 off the tuition price.

July 25, 2013
AFSP Night at the Nashville Sounds
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Greer Stadium
Nashville, TN

Come out to the Nashville Sounds baseball game and raise awareness for suicide prevention. Tickets are $12 and proceeds will benefit AFSP Middle Tennessee. Click Here to purchase tickets and use the following login information: username-afsptn and password-ootd615.

August 29, 2013
World Premier Documentary Film Premier – Title TBA
Tennessee Voices for Children Presents
Belcourt Theatre
2102 Belcourt Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212

This documentary, hosted by the Tennessee Voices for Children, presents the inspiring Stories of nine children and young adults who are striving to overcome their mental health status. Their stories are framed by some of the nation’s top mental health care experts who argue that children do better when treated in their own homes, schools, and communities rather than out-of-home placements and institutions. This film makes the case that children and youth, receiving the right mental health services early in life, can master life skills and are better prepared for the future. The film maker is David Earnhardt. For more information contact the Tennessee Voices for Children at (615) 269-7751 or visit www.tnvoices.org.

September, 2013
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month (USA)

Join the voices for recovery together on pathways to wellness. A national emphasis promotes the message that recovery from substance abuse in all forms is possible. It highlights the benefits of treatment; encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective treatment for those in need; and honors the contributions of treatment providers. Various events will be planned in communities nationwide for all ages. Visit www.recoverymonth.gov to learn more. A new theme is selected for each year’s observance. More information to come.


September 9, 2013
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day (Worldwide)
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. FASDs are 100% preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy. To learn more visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD) at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/index.html.


September 8-14, 2013
National Suicide Prevention Week

The National Suicide Prevention Day of emphasis is September 10. To plan community events and to learn more about strategies to reduce the incidence and prevalence rates of suicidal behaviors; promote research and training in suicidology; and advance suicidology as a science through academia, visit the non-profit American Association of Suicidology, founded in 1968 to understand and prevent suicide at www.suicidology.org.


End of September, 2013
DATE TBA
NAMI Tennessee Annual State Conference
Patterson Park
Murfreesboro, TN

The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Tennessee is a grass roots, non-profit, self-help organization made up of people with mental illness, their families and community members. NAMI Tennessee is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy. The date for the annual conference will be announced and more information posted on their website soon at www.namitn.org.

September 11, 2013
11th “Love Never Dies” Memorial Quilt Debut
TSPN Suicide Prevention Awareness Day
Trevecca Community Church
335 Murfreesboro Pike
Nashville, Tennessee

10:30 a.m. - Noon

The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) is relaying the following message on behalf of our Quilt Committee. We encourage you to relay the information below to anyone who may be interested in the project. It is the network's intention to debut the eleventh "Love Never Dies" quilt at the Suicide Prevention Awareness Day event, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. - Noon on Wednesday, September 11, at Trevecca Community Church.

Plans for 2013 Memorial Quilt Underway
Our next memorial quilt will be displayed at TSPN suicide educational and awareness events all over Tennessee. If you would like a memorial square to be included on the quilt in memory of a close family member, please let Karyl Chastain Beal know now, so that she can send the information about the quilt directly to you. (Note: There is no charge to memorialize anyone on the quilt.) Contact Karyl at arlynsmom@bellsouth.net or phone her at (931) 388-9289.

September 21, 2013
Nashville Music Row Out of the Darkness Community Walk
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Herschel Greer Stadium
534 Chestnut Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37203

This is the fourth annual AFSP walk in Nashville, By walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk, you will be joining thousands of other walkers nationwide to raise money for AFSP's research and educational programs aimed to prevent suicide and save lives, increase national awareness about depression and suicide, and provide support for the survivors of suicide loss. Click Here for more details.

October 6-12, 2013
Mental Illness Awareness Week

In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI’s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have joined together during the first full week of October to celebrate.

We need to educate people about what mental illness is and where they can get help. We need to let people know getting help for a mental illness does not mean that you are a failure or will be judged by others, resulting in possibly losing your job or friends. We need to take steps to erase stigma so that people who need help are not afraid to get help. Observe Mental Illness Awareness Week in 2013 to raise awareness, take steps to erase the stigma, and educate people. Please begin planning an event or observance now. Visit www.namitn.org.


October 10, 2013
World Mental Health Day (Worldwide)

The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is an international membership organization founded in 1948 to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. The Federation, through its members and contacts in more than 100 countries on six continents, has responded to international mental health crises through its role as the only worldwide grassroots advocacy and public education organization in the mental health field. Its organizational and individual membership includes mental health workers of all disciplines, consumers of mental health services, family members, and concerned citizens. The organization’s broad and diverse membership makes possible collaboration among governments and non-governmental organizations to advance the cause of mental health services, research, and policy advocacy worldwide. Visit www.wfmh.org to learn more.


October 10, 2013
National Depression Screening Day

Screening programs include in-person and online for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. Visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org to learn more.

October 16-17, 2013
State of the Child & Family re-Union Conference
“Points of Intervention: Exploring Children’s Mental Health &
The Prevention of Violence”

Also Includes:
The Family Re-Union Conference
October 18, 2013
The Inn at Opryland
2401 Music Valley Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

The 2013 State of the Child and Family Re-Union conferences, held on October 16-18, 2013, are professional conferences attended by 300+ health and mental health professionals, managed care organizations, policy makers, education professionals, and individuals and families who face mental health challenges. The event will take place at The Inn at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee and is sponsored by the Tennessee Voices for Children.

This year, Tennessee Voices for Children is adding the Family Re-Union Conference to its State of the Child conference. State of the Child will be held October 16-17, 2013, followed by the Family Re-Union conference on October 18, 2013. If registration is purchased for both days of State of the Child, then registration for Family Re-Union will be included at no additional cost.*

Continued education credits are available for mental health professionals attending this conference. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Opportunities for Sponsors and Exhibitors are limited. If you would like more information on becoming a 2013 sponsor or exhibitor, please call Rikki Harris at (615) 269-7751 or email stateofthechild@tnvoices.org.

Click Here for a SAVE THE DATE Flyer.
Click Here for additional information and to register.

*Tickets for the Family Re-Union conference may also be purchased separately.

October 27, 2013
Legislative Advocacy Training, Part II
Online

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sita Diehl, the NAMI National Director of State Policy and Advocacy, is in the middle of presenting an online Advocacy Training Program. Part I was held February 13. Part II is scheduled for Wed., October 27. For more information, contact Sia Diehl at sdiehl@nami.org.

November 10-12, 2013
10th Annual International Bullying
Prevention Association Conference
Theme: "Creating Compassionate Schools and Communities"
Sheraton Hotel Downtown
623 Union Street
Nashville, TN 37219

Exhibitors Requested By May 1, 2013

The conference will bring together educators, school administrators, counselors, psychologists, health providers, youth development professionals, law enforcement personnel, university personnel, researchers and others.

Sponsors will include select commercial, nonprofit, state and local organizations and agencies that are serving or providing resources that support a safe and welcoming learning environment for children, youth and families. Expected attendance: 800

Only 14 exhibit tables are left. Take advantage of this cost effective way to reach the expected 800 professionals working with kids on bullying prevention in K-12 and higher education settings. To be sure that your organization is a part of this important event, submit your application today. To learn more about exhibiting and to apply for your table Click Here. Use coupon code: EB75 to use for $75 off off before May 1, 2013.

For more information, contact Lynn Lonsway at 1-800-929-0397, or email: ibpainfo@stopbullyingworld.org. Visit www.stopbullyingworld.org to learn more about the organization.

December 3-4, 2013
TAMHO’s Annual Meeting & Awards Recognition Ceremony
Embassy Suites and Conference Center
Murfreesboro, TN

More information to come. The Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO) is a statewide trade association representing Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) and other nonprofit corporations that provide behavioral health services. These organizations have historically met the needs of mentally ill and chemically dependent citizens of Tennessee from all age groups and socioeconomic levels. The TAMHO member organizations have been the virtual cornerstone of the community-based behavioral health system throughout the state since the 1950s and today serve as the primary provider network for the TennCare Program, Tennessee's Medicaid waiver program. Visit www.tamho.org.

2013

Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) Provides Suicide Prevention Smartphone App for Android and iPhone for Lifeline Instant Access

The Tennessee Suicide prevention Network (TSPN) announced in January, 2013 the latest innovation of the Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI)-- a suicide prevention smartphone application for the iPhone and Android that provides instant access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK).

"A Friend Asks" application made its debut at the American Football Coaches Association in January. The app provides users with basic information about suicide prevention resources, advice on helping troubled friends and loved ones, and a "Get Help Now" button that connects users to the Lifeline. JFI is anticipating roll-out and marketing in 10 states, including Tennessee, before being introduced nationally.

The app is available for download by scanning the QR codes below:


Android QR


Apple QR

The apps are also available in the app stores for the iPhone and Android platforms.

In the meantime, we encourage you to download this potentially life-saving phone application so you will have access to the Lifeline and helpful information about suicide prevention, literally at your fingertips.

Free Assistance to Families in the Kingsport and Johnson City Area
Children 2-years-old through kindergarten with Behavioral Problems

The Regional Intervention Program (RIP) helps parents learn they’re not the problem; they’re the solution when a child’s behavior seems out of control. Many of these parents dealing with extreme behavior have left a store while shopping, removed their child from preschool, left a public event and even family gatherings. RIP knits parenting skills with methods to manage your child’s behavior so the family can heal. The nationally recognized program is parent-supported and offered at no charge for families with children 2 years old through kindergarten with behavior problems.
Families are strengthened not only by their caregivers’ involvement in RIP, they’re impacted by other parents who participate and the group training. The child attends the RIP program in a classroom setting so they can interact with other children, foster social skills and actually experience situations that occur in the classroom.
RIP offers families a place to strengthen their parenting skills and give their children the opportunity to learn and grow toward success.
For more information about the RIP program near you, call 224-1000 in Kingsport, or 232-4211 in Johnson City; and visit www.frontierhealth.org. Frontier Health is the region’s leading provider of behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, recovery and vocational rehabilitation services, and has been providing services since 1957.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Chattanooga Pendulums
Support group meets each Thursday, 7:30 pm, at
AIM Center
472 W M L King Boulevard
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Main Number: 423-624-4800
Contact person: Marilou Coats Family and/or friends are also welcome to attend.

Year-Round Depression screening
Mental Health Association of East Tennessee
9050 Executive Park Drive, Suite 104-A
Knoxville, Tennessee 37923
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
(865) 584-9125

Mental Health Training for Foreign and Sign Language Interpreters
Various dates. Call for more information and registration.
No charge for training.
Contact: Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee
2416 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
615-269-5355
email: forinfo@mnamt.org

IChope Campaign
Public Information Programs
are available for all ages and are appropriate
for school and community settings.
Visit www.ichope.com
Contact: Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee
2416 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
615-269-5355

Council on Children's Mental Health
Upcoming Meetings

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) of Southeastern Tennessee
Two new support groups to chose from on
Mondays at 7:30 p.m. or Thursdays at Noon
East Ridge United Methodist Church
1601 Prater Road
East Ridge, Tennessee 37412
The Mission:"Improve the lives of those living with mood disorders" because Wellness and Recovery are possible! Confidential, easy-going, no pressure, share-and-care style meetings; tons of resources available FREE. Friends and Family are always welcome. "We've Been There. We Can Help; You're Not Alone" Call or email for more information Dennis Dodson, DBSA Southeastern Tennessee, (423) 653-2177.

SAMHSA's Suicide Prevention Resource Center Adds
At-Risk for High School Educators to Best Practice Registry for suicide prevention programs.

Released March 4, 2011, At-Risk for High School Educators added to SAMHSA's Best Practice Registry for suicide prevention programs. At-Risk is an online interactive training simulation designed to prepare teachers to identify, approach, and refer students exhibiting signs psychological distress including depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Texas and New York have already adopted this program to train over 70,000 educators in their states. You can read more about this announcement at http://bit.ly/fMROgx. You can also view a demo of this type of simulation at www.kognito.com/atrisk. Contact Jennifer Spiegler at jennifer@kognito.com if you have any questions or would like more information on this new training simulation.

Year-round for 2013

TAMHO Training Opportunities

Online Training for Behavioral Health Professionals

TAMHO's partnership with Essential Learning: The Essential Learning curriculum catalog provides access to 1,000's of training courses to meet your behavioral health (mental health and addictions) training needs. The TAMHO Training Matrix highlights numerous suggested courses from the Essential Learning catalog that have been pre-approved by the Bureau of TennCare and the Managed Care Companies to meet the training requirements reflected in the "TDMH/TennCare Specialized Training Requirements for Behavioral Health Professionals" manual. A link to the TAMHO Training Matrix is provided in the "PDF Downloads" box to the right of this screen.

Visit http://www.essentiallearning.com to learn more about Essential Learning, arrange a free demonstration, or to view their curriculum catalog. Be sure to reference your connection with TAMHO to gain access to any special offers or considerations that may apply.

TDMH, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and TAADAS Partner with TAMHO and Essential Learning for Online Training Initiative for Addiction Treatment and Prevention Service Contractors

Partnership Strengthens Access to Training for Addictions Services

TAMHO and Essential Learning are excited to announce a unique partnership between the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (DADAS) and the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and Other Addictions Services (TAADAS) to expand and strengthen access to behavioral health training.

Through the Tennessee Online Training Enterprise, agencies will have access to online courses and training management tools to assist in preparing their staff for mandated training, certification, on-going continuing education requirements, and, implementing and sustaining evidence-based practices.

Powered by Essential Learning's state-of-the-art Learning Management System -- ELEVATE -- staff will be able to take online courses that have been designed to meet regulatory and compliance training for national accreditation organizations such as CARF, Joint Commission, and many others, including state specific requirements.

To take advantage of this partnership, contact: Anita Menon, Training Coordinator, TAADAS, at 615-780-5901 ext. 12.

Interpreter/Provider Training – Year-round
Two-Day Sessions
Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee

To schedule a training, call MHAMT at (615) 269-5355.
Visit http://www.ichope.com for more information on the two-day training for interpreters and those working with interpreters who are working in mental health settings with immigrant and refugee populations in Middle Tennessee.

Every Third Wednesday of the Month
NAMI, Coffee & Franklin County Areas
Mental Illness Support Group Monthly Meeting
Family Activity Center
Davidson Hall
First United Methodist Church
212 W. Lauderdale St.
Tullahoma, TN 37388

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Except December or announced school snow days)

The group is a NAMI affiliate and offers mental illness support and practical education for those who care for or care about a person who has a mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or all others. Names and situations stay within the group for confidentiality. Bring lunch or snacks or none; drinks and snacks provided. For more information, call (931) 247-3628 or email kohl@cafes.net. Click Here for a location map.