Nashville Opens 24/7 Youth Mental Health Unit

Nashville cut the ribbon on a Children and Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit on Oct. 21 that will provide free, 24/7 emergency mental-health care for children ages 4–17, run by the Mental Health Cooperative with about 15 beds and walk-ins accepted. The unit features private rooms, anti-barricade doors and other therapeutic supports and is funded through grants and city–state partnerships to address Tennessee’s high youth suicide and mental-health needs. The Judge Dinkins Educational Center (founded in 2024 by former prosecutor Judge Jim Todd) will hold its inaugural gala on Oct. 28 to support a program helping 14–18‑year‑olds in the juvenile justice system finish high school and earn trade certifications; country star Jelly Roll has pledged a portion of his Opry ticket sales to the center. In Columbus, SafeHouse Ministries has opened Bright Futures child care at 1342 17th St., serving newborns through age 12 (Mon–Fri, 5 a.m.–8 p.m.), including children with disabilities and offering the state’s only licensed all‑day sick care to help address a local childcare shortage.