State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, is hosting a town hall meeting at Motlow State Community College on Monday, Dec. 9, to discuss the student mental health crisis.
The event will focus on the difficulties and unique issues faced by students during the transition from high school to college. It will be held at 10 a.m. in Room 139 of the Hiatt-Spivey Center on Motlow State’s Smyrna campus.
“Declining mental health is a serious problem that must be addressed in our local communities,” Sparks said. “In recent years, the number of high school and college students reporting feelings of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts has tragically increased. I’m committed to finding creative ways to bring awareness to the issue to help reverse this alarming trend. I invite all interested students and residents to come out on Monday to discuss this important topic and the unique challenges young people face today.”
A bipartisan group of state legislators, mental health professionals and the chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents will be participating in the event.
One in five high school students considered attempting suicide in 2023, while two in five reported feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sparks has been an advocate for investing in and improving mental health in the Volunteer State, passing a resolution in the 113th General Assembly to recognize the benefits of music therapy in helping improve emotional health, social skills, self-confidence and concentration levels for Tennesseans of all ages.
People experiencing a mental health emergency are encouraged to call the Tennessee statewide crisis line at 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471) or to text or call 988 to reach the national suicide and crisis lifeline.
For more details on the event, please contact Sparks’ office at (615) 741-6829 or rep.mike.sparks@capitol.tn.gov
State Rep. Mike Sparks represents House District 49, which includes part of Rutherford County.
