OAK RIDGE, TN. (WLAF)- The Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations’ (TAMHO) highest honors were recently presented at the TAMHO Conference and Awards Ceremony in Franklin, Tennessee. WATE (Channel 6) was recognized with the TAMHO Media Award, accepted by Living East Tennessee host Amber Lynn Carroll and producer Emalae Howland, for their leadership in launching Mental Health Minute in partnership with Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services.

Since its inception in fall 2024, Mental Health Minute has aired twice monthly, consistently elevating important behavioral health topics. Through each segment, Amber has helped amplify critical issues, reduce stigma, and engage viewers in meaningful conversation—all delivered with compassion, clarity, and professionalism. Behind the scenes, Emalae’s creative direction and commitment to excellence have ensured the content remains timely, accessible, and impactful.

The overarching goal of Mental Health Minute is to provide consistent, accessible behavioral health education through a trusted local media platform. Thanks to the dedication of Amber and Emalae, the initiative has significantly enhanced public understanding of mental health and fostered honest, stigma-free dialogue across East Tennessee.

Ridgeview representatives Amy Olson, Director of Children & Youth Services, and Michael Yates, Director of Development, regularly appear as guests on the program, addressing a broad range of topics relevant to both urban and rural audiences. Discussions have included suicide prevention, managing school-related stressors, mindfulness strategies, seasonal affective disorder, and more. One episode also highlighted therapeutic tools and safe spaces within an Anderson County school, showcasing the importance of school-based mental health services.

(Left to right)  Amy Olson, Ridgeview; Michael Yates, Ridgeview; and Amber Lynn Carroll, host of Living East Tennessee. Michael Yates is the Director of Development at Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services. Ridgeview is a private, not for profit community mental health center serving Anderson, Campbell, Fentress, Morgan

During her acceptance remarks, Amber Lynn Carroll shared, “We are beyond honored to be nominated and granted this gift. Thank you to Ridgeview Behavioral Health for believing in this content and the mission to raise awareness surrounding mental health. It takes all of us to stop the stigma and help others walk toward their light in life.”

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 1/27/2026-6AM-PAID)

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