Rep. Mike Sparks highlights mental health efforts at Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, recently emphasized the importance of access to mental health resources during a panel at the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s (TSPN) annual statewide conference.
Sparks was joined by Avery Kelleher, who founded We Live for Riv in honor of his daughter, Rivers, who died by suicide on Sept. 12, 2025, and Melissa McGee, children’s mental health advocacy director at the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. Justin Johnson, TSPN’s greater Memphis regional director and West Tennessee team lead, moderated the discussion.
“It was a great honor to participate in this year’s TSPN conference, celebrating the organization’s incredible work and supporting its goal of reducing suicide deaths in Tennessee,” said Sparks. “Mental health challenges touch families across our state. We must remain focused on finding new ways to save lives and support people who are struggling. I look forward to continuing to tackle this issue to help ensure no Tennessean goes without the help and resources they need.”
Sparks has long advocated for expanding and improving mental health resources across the Volunteer State. In March, he passed House Joint Resolution 1053 recognizing Riv Kelleher’s life and the work of mental health advocates across Tennessee, including the Jason Foundation. He has also passed legislation highlighting the importance of music therapy in improving emotional health, social skills, self-confidence and concentration.
“It was an honor to be selected for the panel at the TSPN 25th Anniversary Conference,” Kelleher said. “While it is unfortunate that conversations like this are necessary, it was humbling to be in a room full of organizations and people who are committed to saving lives and addressing mental health and suicide.”
The Tennessee General Assembly has taken important steps to protect the health and well-being of all Tennesseans. In the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers passed new laws to support early childhood mental health and family stability and expand treatment capacity for uninsured Tennesseans struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Lawmakers also created the Children’s Digital Protection Fund to support mental health services, suicide prevention and law enforcement efforts focused on digital safety. The fund directs money recovered from legal actions against social media and gaming platforms toward children’s mental health and safety initiatives.
People experiencing a mental health emergency are encouraged to call or text 988 and press 0 to speak with a trained counselor. A chat option is available at 988lifeline.org.
State Rep. Mike Sparks of Smyrna represents District 49 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Rutherford County.
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