🌱 Mayor Kelly Appoints Chief Equity Officer + CPD Mental Health

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

A thick cloud cover. High: 52 Low: 41.

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Here are the top three stories in Chattanooga today:

1. On Friday, Chattanooga Mayor Kelly announced Tamara Steward has been appointed to serve as the city's first Chief Equity Officer. Ms. Steward's appointment is a key component of the mayor's plan to enhance the city's focus on equity and bridge opportunity gaps in Chattanooga. The position was created as a way to help drive inclusivity throughout city government rather than limiting it to a single department. (Chattanoogan)
2. The Chattanooga Police Department has launched a new program to provide an additional tool in its belt to assist with mental health calls. According to Lt. Tim Tomisek, the department currently responds to 35-45 mental health-related calls a week, and the department has created a Co-Response Unit (CCRU) to assist with these situations. (WDEF News 12)
3. As drug-overdose deaths continue to rise in Tennessee, Chattanooga State Community College has collaborated with the Council for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services (CADAS) to present an opioid awareness program for students, faculty, and staff. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, Mar. 2, in the Humanities Theatre/Auditorium at 1:00 p.m. (Press Release Desk)

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Today in Chattanooga:

• Kinsey Fishing Tournament At Tennessee Riverpark (7:00 AM)
• Day Of Gardening At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (9:30 AM)
• Alton Park Community Market At The Bethlehem Center (12:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• More pets are now available for adoption from these Chattanooga-area shelters. See if your new best friend is on this list! (Chattanooga Patch)
• Looking for a local independent school for your child? CityScope offers an overview of the private educational institutions in the Chattanooga area. (cityscopemag.com)
• As of Mar. 4, Hamilton County's Veterans Service office will be moving to a new, centrally-located building at 455 North Highland Park Avenue. (Chattanooga Pulse)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.