Murfreesboro, TN - Middle Tennessee State University is set to host distinguished journalist and bestselling author Sam Quinones for a public lecture on Monday, April 7, at 6 p.m. in Room 104 of the Academic Classroom Building, 1751 MTSU Blvd.

The event, titled “From Crisis to Community: Stories of Hope in the Shadow of Fentanyl,” marks the kickoff for National Public Health Week on campus.

Sponsored by MTSU’s Office of Prevention Science and Recovery and the Public Health Program, this Spring 2025 Distinguished Lecture event will spotlight Quinones’ critically acclaimed 2021 book, The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth. The book, which explores the devastating effects of the addiction crisis and the resilience of communities working to heal, earned the 2022 National Book Critics Circle Award.

Throughout the semester, students and faculty across the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences participated in a virtual book club focused on Quinones' work.

Quinones, renowned for his extensive coverage of America’s opioid epidemic, first rose to national prominence with his 2015 release Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic. His latest book delves into the rise of deadly drugs like fentanyl and meth, while highlighting inspiring stories of Americans fostering recovery and rebuilding communities.

Over the years, Quinones has testified before the U.S. Senate’s Health Committee, spoken at numerous professional conferences, and engaged with small-town communities through town hall meetings across the nation. His insight into addiction and recovery has made him a sought-after voice in the battle against substance abuse.

Since 2019, MTSU's Center for Health and Human Services has acquired $9.4 million in federal and state opioid abatement grants and another

$4.2 million in federal funding to work alongside community partners in expanding recovery and other
opportunities for those impacted by addiction, confirmed center Director Cynthia Chafin.
MTSU’s community involvement and engagement provides an avenue for students to learn.

“A large number of our students are interested in pursuing a career in public health, particularly in
addressing substance use disorder and addiction,” Smith said.

For attendees visiting from off-campus, a campus parking map is available at bit.ly/MTSUParking. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of America’s most influential voices on addiction and community resilience.