Mar 04, 2026
Dwayne Page
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition is commemorating Tennessee Day of Hope to be celebrated on March 10 to inspire hope and support for those facing mental health and substance abuse challenges.
Tennessee Day of Hope is an annual event organized by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) to promote hope and recovery for individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction. The 2026 celebration marks the seventh annual Day of Hope, emphasizing statewide encouragement and the power of hope to overcome personal and community challenges.
The Tennessee Day of Hope is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s a movement. It’s neighbors helping neighbors. Its churches, non-profits, businesses, and volunteers coming together to serve, encourage, and uplift the people right here in our county.
The Tennessee Day of Hope reminds us that hope isn’t just a word-its’ action. It’s feeding families, supporting schools, mentoring youth, listening to others, and meeting real needs with real love. When we unite around hope, we strengthen the fabric of our entire community.
For DeKalb County, the Tennessee Day of Hope means connection. It means compassion. It means showing up for one another in ways that make a lasting difference.
Each hour on Tuesday, March 10 WJLE will be airing public service announcements from community partners sharing their hope for themselves and their community within DeKalb County. Identify what gives you HOPE and share it with others around you. Join in, get involved, and be part of bringing hope to our county because when hope rises here at home, it changes everything.
Meanwhile on Monday, March 9 the DeKalb Prevention Coalition will be hosting a Tennessee Day of Hope-Hope Lives Here observance from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the county complex, 720 South Congress Boulevard, Smithville. Look for the sign at the door. Come sign the “Day of Hope” banner and enjoy free doughnuts and coffee. Pick up medication lockboxes, prevention resources, and Day of Hope material.
The DPC is also partnering with a Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist to provide overdose reversal training with free Narcan kits to anyone who might need one.
The Tennessee Day of Hope Proclamation signed by Governor Bill Lee is as follows:
“WHEREAS, hope is a powerful force that sustains life, motivates individuals toward recovery, and strengthens families and communities across Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, Tennessee’s Day of Hope celebrates the role of hope in overcoming behavioral health challenges, including addiction and mental illness, and honors those who support others on the journey to wellness; and
WHEREAS, individuals with lived experience of recovery and wellness demonstrate courage and resilience, selflessly sharing their stories to inspire others and reduce stigma in communities throughout our state; and
WHEREAS, partners from community behavioral health providers, local governments, faith-based organizations, prevention coalitions, and peer support networks have risen to meet the needs of Tennesseans struggling with life’s challenges; and
WHEREAS, the collective efforts of these partners have helped to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery resources that empower individuals to thrive and contribute to the life of our state; and
WHEREAS, all Tennesseans can reflect on the importance of compassion, support, and the promise of hope for all who are hurting;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee, do hereby proclaim March 10, 2026 as Tennessee’s Day of Hope in Tennessee and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance”.