Nashville Thrives

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth ❤️💛💚

Today, we honor a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free. This day became known as Juneteenth and is recognized as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and hope. At Nashville Thrives, we believe healthy communities are built when all people are empowered. Our coalition is committed to working towards a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive!

06/18/2026

Nashville Thrives intern intro #2 is Ellen Smith!

Ellen is a Nashville native who wants to give back to her community. As a social work student, she is interested in connecting with and serving all sectors of Music City. This summer, she is pouring into Power Youth and then will join our Thrives team in mid July. We're very excited to see Ellen's passion for her Nashville neighbors in action!

06/17/2026

Summer is here, and one of our favorite traditions is welcoming young adults who are passionate about serving their community. Nashville Thrives is excited to have three amazing interns joining us this summer! Stay tuned as we introduce each of them and highlight the unique talents and energy they're bringing to our mission.

We'll start with Dhruv Reddy. He's a Nashville native and rising junior at the University of Southern California, studying Biology and Business on the Pre-Dental track. Dhruv is excited to be working with Thrives this summer in hopes of connecting with Nashville youth. He's passionate about teaching the effects of substance use and the importance of making healthy choices. Dhruv is also looking forward to meeting everyone, learning from the team, and working with the greatest city in the world!

06/16/2026

We appreciate this breakdown of Ni****ne's effects on the brain from ASAP of Anderson!

Ni****ne & the Brain:

Ni****ne doesn’t just mess with your lungs — it rewires your brain.

It can make it harder to focus, manage stress, and break habits later.

Your brain is still building. Protect it. 🧠

06/15/2026

Starting July 1, Tennessee House Bill 1644 and 1649 go into effect, banning Kratom and restricting retail sales of nitrous oxide in Tennessee. Here’s what you need to know:

❗️Tennessee House Bill 1644 prohibits the retail sale of Nitrous Oxide. Retail sellers who violate the law may face significant fines, product seizure, and potential license revocation for repeat violations. In certain circumstances, selling or distributing nitrous oxide for recreational intoxication may constitute a Class E felony. Medical, dental, and food-and-beverage commercial uses of Nitrous Oxide are not affected by the law..

❗️Tennessee House Bill 1649 makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, distribute, or sell Kratom in Tennessee. Possession of Kratom is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, while manufacturing, distributing, or selling Kratom is classified as a Class C felony. Certain offenses involving the sale of Kratom to minors may result in enhanced felony penalties.

Prevention starts with awareness. Whether you're a parent, educator, retailer, or community member, staying informed about changing laws and emerging substance trends helps us create safer environments where young people can THRIVE.

06/10/2026

We love hearing youth use their voices for positivity and joy!

06/09/2026

Step one in building a Youth Coalition? Finding leadership opportunities that empower young people to grow!

This week, members of our team are attending the Tennessee Teen Institute and dreaming BIG about the future. As we watch teens from across the state develop leadership skills and learn how to create positive change in their communities, we can't help but imagine one day bringing a van full of Nashville youth along for the journey. Nashville Thrives is grateful to be surrounded by fellow substance use prevention coalitions who are investing in the next generation. We're taking notes and preparing for what we hope will be an exciting Summer 2027!

06/05/2026

Nashville Thrives is also excited to welcome Terri Foxx to our Executive Committee!

Dr. Terri L. Foxx is an accomplished public health professional with over two decades of experience in the field. She earned her Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Kentucky. Her career spans multiple leadership and academic roles, highlighting her commitment to advancing public health practices. Terri's leadership has been pivotal in establishing evidence-based practices for managing infectious diseases, while also advancing health equity through strategic planning and program evaluation. Terri's heart for creating healthy and thriving communities is evident in all of her work, and we are so grateful to have her in this role on the coalition!

06/04/2026

If we truly want to support and serve our youth, we must first take the time to listen to them. At a recent Nashville high school event, our team asked students one simple question:

“What are your thoughts on vaping?”

Their responses were honest, thoughtful, and incredibly diverse (just like the young people themselves). While the answers may not have surprised us, they reminded us why these conversations matter so much. At Nashville Thrives, we are committed to facing this issue head-on and helping young people THRIVE. Prevention begins with connection and honest conversations can make all the difference. If you spend time with young people today, try asking them the same question. You may be surprised by what you learn.

06/03/2026

—many can experience emotional distress, like anxiety, constant worrying & trouble sleeping, after a traumatic event. If you or someone you know is struggling with , help is available.

💙 Help yourself & share to help others samhsa.gov/find-help