MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) – In a community where first responders are the backbone of public safety, Murfreesboro is set to become the epicenter of a critical conversation on mental health this fall. The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) First Responder Suicide Prevention Task Force will hold its 4th Annual Conference, titled "Answering the Call," on October 29-30, 2025, at Williamson Family Farms, located at 3250 Wilkinson Pike.

The event aims to address the alarming reality that suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among first responders nationwide. According to data from organizations like Blue H.E.L.P., more first responders die by suicide each year than in the line of duty, with 1,405 reported suicides since 2018—75% involving male police officers over 40. Firefighters face a suicide rate of 18 per 100,000, compared to 13 per 100,000 in the general population. In Tennessee, the crisis hits close to home: police officers are more likely to die by suicide than on duty, and the state's overall suicide rate stood at 17.9 per 100,000 residents in 2021. Emergency medical services (EMS) providers nationwide are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public, with studies showing 17-24% of dispatchers experiencing suicidal thoughts.

This year's gathering is sponsored largely in partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, known for its work honoring defenders, veterans, and first responders. The TSPN, a statewide organization under the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, has long focused on training communities to recognize suicide warning signs and support survivors. The task force, part of TSPN's broader initiatives like the Zero Suicide Initiative, targets the unique challenges faced by first responders, who are at higher risk for depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.

Held in Murfreesboro for the first time, the conference offers a local opportunity for Rutherford County first responders—including those from law enforcement, EMS, and dispatch—to access resources without traveling far. Attendees can secure a discounted nightly room rate of $122 at the nearby Holiday Inn Express, 1453 Silohill Lane, by booking before October 14, 2025.

First responders interested in attending are encouraged to register now via the official link: https://community.taadas.org/events/view/answeringthecall25. Already, 55 participants have signed up, signaling strong community interest. For more details, contact TSPN South Central Regional Director Mary Anne Christian at mchristian@tspn.org.

Organizers are also seeking additional sponsors and vendors to support this vital effort. Those interested in contributing can reach out directly to mchristian@tspn.org to discuss opportunities.

As Murfreesboro continues to grow, events like this underscore the importance of prioritizing the well-being of those who answer the call every day. With partnerships from the Tennessee First Responder Foundation and state agencies, the conference promises to equip attendees with tools to combat this silent epidemic.