Metro Public Health Department to host inaugural Music City Behavioral Health and Wellness Summit The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy to provide keynote address

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TN Tribune) – The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) will welcome stakeholders to the inaugural Music City Behavioral Health and Wellness Summit on April 23^rd and 24^th at Riverside Nashville. The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy, a former U.S. Representative and a longtime advocate for mental health, will deliver the keynote address. The summit will gather local leaders and stakeholders in the mental health world to discuss challenges facing our community, possible solutions to problems and opportunities for collaboration.

“The Metro Public Health Department is making a big investment in the mental health of our community,” said Dr. Gill Wright, Director of Health. “With expanded mental health services soon being offered through MPHD, we feel it is important to invite community stakeholders to gather to ensure we all understand our roles and how we can work together to help more people protect, improve and sustain their health.”

The summit will largely be divided into two separate days. April 23^rd will be a chance to hear from the Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and others. O’Connell will also kick off discussion on April 24^th, ahead of a day of various workshops offered to attendees. Workshops discussing Xylazine and Fentanyl, harm reduction, the epidemiological impact of substance misuse and other topics will be held throughout the day.

“Most of us know someone who has been impacted by a mental health or substance use challenge, but in that moment of crisis, may not know what to do or where to turn for support,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “In 2023, more than 700 of our neighbors, friends and family members died from a suspected drug overdose. Those deaths were preventable. Conversations like the one we will have at the Music City Behavioral Health and Wellness Summit are critical components to increasing awareness of the resources and support available in our community and creating a more resilient, healthy Nashville where preventable deaths are prevented.”

Registration is open and recommended for attendees. There is no cost to register. Those in need of an accommodation are encouraged to email BHWEvents@Nashville.gov.