NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) - State Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) emphasized the importance of access to mental health resources during a panel at the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) annual statewide conference.
Sparks joined panelist Avery Kelleher, who founded We Live for Riv in honor of his daughter, Rivers, who died by suicide on September 12th, 2025. Melissa McGee, children's mental health advocacy director at the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, also participated on the panel. 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," Sparks said. "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 represents District 49 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes parts of Rutherford County. He has continuously pushed to expand emotional and behavioral health resources throughout Middle Tennessee. On Friday (March 13th), Sparks passed House Joint Resolution 1053, which recognized Riv Kelleher's life and the work of mental health advocates across the state, including the Jason Foundation. Sparks 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."
State lawmakers took additional legislative steps to protect families. During the legislative session, lawmakers passed new laws to support early childhood mental health, strengthen family stability, and expand treatment capacity for uninsured Tennesseans struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
The General Assembly also established the Children's Digital Protection Fund. The fund directs money recovered from legal actions against social media and gaming platforms toward children’s mental health, suicide prevention, and digital safety enforcement.
Anyone experiencing a mental health emergency is urged to call or text 988 and press 0 to speak directly with a trained counselor. Online chat assistance is available at http://988lifeline.org.
