The Madison County Opioid Abatement Committee voted to adopt a community grant model for dispersing their opioid settlement funding during their second official meeting held in May. 

Applications are expected to open later this year, and organizations based in Madison County that work in prevention, treatment, recovery support, harm reduction, and other related services will be welcome to apply.  The committee co-chair acknowledged that some treatment providers located in Jackson, the capital of Madison County, also provide services to surrounding counties and the committee will be taking this reality into funding decisions.  The committee also voted to withhold 20% of the funds, in line with national guidelines, in order to “ensure funding in the future.”  

The committee was commissioned by Madison County Mayor AJ Massey and is chaired by Sheriff Julian Wiser and co-chaired by Deputy Mayor Terica Smith.  In this second meeting, they also voted to approve District Attorney Jody Pickens as the ninth member. 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Bill Lee recently announced three key judicial appointments to various district courts in Tennessee. 

“I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles,” said Gov. Lee. “I appreciate their leadership and am confident they will serve Tennesseans with integrity.”

The following Tennesseans have been appointed:

• Jennifer Nichols, 18th Judicial District Circuit Court
• Jessica Parrish, 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court
• Jim Newsom, 30th Judicial District Chancery Court

NASHVILLE, TN – For 30 years, Volunteer Tennessee has invested in programs to meet the most pressing needs in communities across the state. To continue that legacy, the governor-appointed commission is proud to invest over $8 million of 2024-25 AmeriCorps grant funding in 18 organizations across the state.

“We are excited to leverage this grant funding from AmeriCorps to address some of the toughest problems facing our state,” said Amy Walter, chair of the Volunteer Tennessee commission. “From homelessness to school readiness and food insecurity to environmental improvements, AmeriCorps members strengthen communities and improve lives while developing key civic and leadership skills. I congratulate these outstanding organizations and thank all those who serve Tennessee through AmeriCorps.”