MTSU Center for Health & Human Services

05/19/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here is some good information from our colleagues at SAMHSA.

05/18/2026

OPSR Series on the Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery

Find a recovery center near you at recovery.com

The Impact of Poor Nutrition on Recovery

Understanding the importance of nutrition in addiction recovery necessitates an examination of what happens when nutrition is neglected. Both physically and psychologically, poor nutrition can severely impede the recovery process.

Physical Repercussions of Poor Nutrition

Substance abuse often leads to a significant decline in physical health, with poor nutrition exacerbating these effects. Those who disregard proper nutrition during recovery might experience prolonged physical weakness, decreased immunity, and slow healing. Additionally, specific nutrient deficiencies resulting from poor diet can have distinct impacts: lack of vitamin D can lead to bone pain and muscle weakness, while inadequate iron intake can result in anemia and fatigue.

Interested in reading the full article? Read further on the National Addiction Specialists website:

https://www.nationaladdictionspecialists.com/importance-of-nutrition-in-addiction-recovery/?_gl=1*d6rqjj*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oODDy2Lq_IQikaPo3ShVrBNCOv-KWz4KgxDyfCsz6guNvx2DcDxM0xxoC8NkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAABWWpvRnZon9_CQJW5BlLWSMPu3Ns -toc__heading-anchor-0

05/15/2026

https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/

From our colleagues at Mental Health America.

Mental Health America founded Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949 and has led the effort every May to promote mental wellness nationwide.

05/14/2026

Governor Bill Lee has officially proclaimed May as Maternal Health Month in Tennessee! In honor of Maternal Health Month in Tennessee, MTSU Center for Health and Human Services remains committed to improving the health and well-being of Tennesseans through education, prevention, and partnership. A shareable flier is attached that includes data, resources, and ideas of what you can do to support maternal health.

CHHS is doing our part and is actively pursuing funding opportunities focused on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder alongside dedicated community partners because supporting maternal health today creates healthier futures for children, families, and communities statewide. ❤️🤍💙 hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

05/08/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness month. Make a goal to 1) learn something new about your own mental wellbeing, 2) learn a new skill to assist someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge.

05/07/2026

Post #2 of #2 celebrating our students this week! Saying "see you later" to our student interns can be hard! We love our Center for Health and Human Services interns. This semester we had two who have been great, though it is time to say "see you later" but not goodbye, to both. And a shout-out to those departments who "share" their students with us including MTSU Public Health Program and MTSU Department of Social Work.

CHHS is pleased to recognize Brooke Springer, an MPH student in the MTSU Public Health Program, on the successful completion of her internship. Brooke contributed to the Safe Stars project by developing targeted social media content for the Tennessee Department of Health, translating program evaluation findings into practical, accessible messaging designed to support youth sports coaches. She also played a key role in preparing for upcoming focus groups by assisting with survey development and presentation materials aimed at identifying barriers to implementing Return-to-Learn and Return-to-Play guidelines informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in schools and youth sports settings.

In addition to her academic and professional work, Brooke serves as a graduate assistant coach for the MTSU volleyball team and brings the perspective of a student-athlete to her work. We appreciate Brooke’s thoughtful contributions and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

We will miss you, Brooke!

05/04/2026

OPSR Series on the Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery

Find a recovery center near you at recovery.com

Increasing the Chances of Long-Term Recovery

Consistently practicing a balanced diet and healthy eating habits can significantly increase your chances of long-term recovery. Good nutrition not only supports physical and mental health but also strengthens the body’s ability to resist cravings and withstand stress, two significant triggers for relapse.

Moreover, the act of taking care of one’s diet can be a form of self-care, improving self-esteem and reinforcing the commitment to a healthier lifestyle free from substances.

Interested in reading the full article? Read further on the National Addiction Specialists website:

https://www.nationaladdictionspecialists.com/importance-of-nutrition-in-addiction-recovery/?_gl=1*d6rqjj*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oODDy2Lq_IQikaPo3ShVrBNCOv-KWz4KgxDyfCsz6guNvx2DcDxM0xxoC8NkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAABWWpvRnZon9_CQJW5BlLWSMPu3Ns -toc__heading-anchor-0

05/04/2026

Post #1 of #2 celebrating our students posts this week! Saying "see you later" to our student interns can be hard! We love our CHHS interns! This semester we had two who have been great, though it is time to say "see you later" but not goodbye, to both. And a shout-out to those departments who "share" their students with us including MTSU Public Health Program and MTSU Social Work.

This semester, CHHS staff had the privilege of working with Courtney Allison, an MSW student at Middle Tennessee State University, whose passion for mental health, homelessness, and child welfare is both evident and inspiring. Her commitment to advocating for accessible, equitable care comes from a deeply personal place, and it shows in everything she does.

During her time with the Center for Health and Human Services this spring, Courtney contributed across multiple areas: from developing a professional project poster for Mental Health Awareness Training to supporting conference preparation and researching innovative outreach strategies. She also played a key role in outreach and engagement efforts for the su***de prevention walk at MTSU, demonstrating both compassion and strong organizational skills.

Courtney will be back with us this summer completing her internship as she prepares to graduate this August, so it really isn't goodbye yet, but rather a great time to say "thank you" Courtney for all of your hard work this spring and to celebrate a semester done well. There is no doubt she will make a powerful impact in the field of social work.

04/27/2026

OPSR Series on the Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery
Find a recovery center near you at recovery.com

The Role of Healthy Eating Habits

Beyond the contents of the diet, the habits surrounding eating also have a notable impact on recovery. Regular meal times, mindful eating, and appropriate portion sizes can help regulate metabolism, maintain stable energy levels, and prevent mood swings — all beneficial for individuals in recovery.

Interested in reading the full article? Read further on the National Addiction Specialists website:

https://www.nationaladdictionspecialists.com/importance-of-nutrition-in-addiction-recovery/?_gl=1*d6rqjj*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwgb_CBhBMEiwA0p3oODDy2Lq_IQikaPo3ShVrBNCOv-KWz4KgxDyfCsz6guNvx2DcDxM0xxoC8NkQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAABWWpvRnZon9_CQJW5BlLWSMPu3Ns -toc__heading-anchor-0

04/24/2026

Here is helpful information about finding low or no-cost mental health or substance abuse support from our colleagues at SAMHSA

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-pay-for-treatment/free-or-low-cost-treatment

04/22/2026

The 54 walking together Sunday was a reminder that no one has to face their darkest moments alone. Su***de prevention matters because every life has value, every voice deserves to be heard, and even small acts of support can help someone keep going.

MTSU Center for Health and Human Services Linda Williams and social work student and CHHS Spring 2026 intern Courtney Allison organized a team of 54 walkers to to support su***de prevention with almost $3,600 raised. Grateful for a community that shows up, speaks up, and stands together for hope.

***dePrevention ***de