Erlanger Health has distributed more than 4,000 free gun locks to families this year, nearly doubling its 2026 goal of 2,026.
Expanded in March through a partnership with SaferTN.org, the program provides free gun locks and safety materials to families with newborns at Erlanger hospitals. Gun locks are also available to anyone at all Erlanger emergency departments and Labor and Delivery locations.
The initiative, launched in 2024, aims to reduce accidental firearm injuries among children by encouraging secure gun storage.
“Safe storage saves lives, and together, we can build a safer community for our children,” says Lindsay Bass, Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention coordinator at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Red Bank board names new Central Park
The Red Bank Board of Commissioners has officially named the future park at 3715 Dayton Boulevard “Red Bank Central Park,” following a community-driven selection process that included 297 public survey responses.
The city’s Parks & Recreation Citizen Advisory Board reviewed the submissions and recommended three names for consideration before commissioners made their final selection.
Mayor Stefanie Dalton says the decision reflects years of community support for preserving the former school property as a public gathering space rather than selling it for private development.
The city plans to host its first major event at the site, the Red Bank Christmas Parade & Festival, on Dec. 12. Initial park improvements are expected in early to mid-2027 and will include ADA-accessible parking and restrooms, a water fountain, a temporary walking path and other amenities.
Originally acquired by the city in 2011, the property previously served as both a high school and middle school. City officials say residents will have additional opportunities to help shape the park’s long-term design and amenities.
UTC receives $600,000 Army research award
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Nanoengineering Center has received a $600,000 award to support an Army-backed research project focused on developing advanced materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
Dr. Murat Barisik, director of the Nanoengineering Center and an associate professor of mechanical engineering, will lead UTC’s contribution to the project, titled “Advanced Materials Manufacturing for Army Modernization.”
Supported by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, the initiative brings together UTC, lead institution UT Knoxville and industry partner Leidos to advance materials research and manufacturing.
UTC researchers will use high-performance computing, computational modeling and artificial intelligence to predict how materials respond to extreme environments and deteriorate over time. Their work will complement experimental research at UT Knoxville, helping scientists better understand material behavior and reduce reliance on trial and error.
“By combining experiments and modeling, we can learn more from each experiment and use that knowledge to guide material development,” Barisik says.
CADAS opens 16 new sober living apartments
The Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (CADAS) opened 16 new sober living apartments on its Chattanooga campus Nov. 5, increasing its recovery housing capacity from 24 to 40 units.
The two-story building provided affordable, substance-free housing for individuals transitioning from substance use disorder treatment to independent living. Each apartment featured essential furnishings and appliances, along with a private entrance and convenient parking.
Residents were required to maintain sobriety, obtain employment and follow community guidelines while developing the skills needed for long-term independence.
The expansion was made possible through partnerships with the Chattanooga Housing Authority, Hamilton County Government, RockPoint Bank and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
“These projects are more than bricks and mortar; they represent our commitment to creating a healthier, more hopeful future for our community,” says CADAS Executive Director Dr. Paul Fuchcar.