NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Hospitals across Tennessee are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence, or AI, to improve patient care, streamline administrative processes, and support clinical staff amid ongoing workforce challenges.

AI in Stroke Care

TriStar Skyline Medical Center, the state’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center, recently introduced an FDA-cleared AI platform designed to enhance stroke diagnosis and intervention. The deep-learning imaging system rapidly analyzes brain scans, helping clinicians identify the severity and location of stroke-related abnormalities.

“At TriStar Skyline, innovation isn’t just about what’s next — it’s about what’s best for our patients,” said Dr. Dennis Cole, neurologist and medical director of the Neurosciences Program. “This AI solution empowers our team to interpret imaging faster, which can lead to improved outcomes when it matters most.”

Stroke is among the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.

TriStar Skyline’s platform aims to streamline the entire stroke pathway, from emergency department admission to advanced intervention.

AI in Hospital Workflow

In West Tennessee, West Tennessee Healthcare is piloting Dragonfly Navigate, an AI-driven tool designed by Xsolis, an AI company based in Franklin, Tennessee.

The system helps case managers make data-informed decisions on patient discharge and post-hospital care, including transfers to skilled nursing facilities or home health services.

AI and Workforce Challenges

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is also advancing health AI through the newly launched ADVANCE Center (AI Discovery and Vigilance to Accelerate Innovation and Clinical Excellence).

FOX 17 News learned more about the center last year that aims to integrate AI into patient care, research, and training, supporting both clinical decision-making and workforce efficiency.

The hospital has formed an AI committee to address nursing shortages, using technology to help nurses monitor patients more effectively and reduce preventable injuries. Robin Steaban, chief officer of Vanderbilt’s adult hospital, said AI could allow nurses to focus more on patient care by performing some basic monitoring tasks.

“Adoption will be a little hard, but once people get it, they’ll not work some place that doesn’t have it,” Steaban said, noting that AI is still in the early stages of implementation but is expected to support long-term staffing solutions.

By supporting faster, data-driven decisions and helping manage administrative burdens, AI technologies may help improve patient outcomes while addressing workforce challenges, particularly in specialized care and nursing.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A new Tennessee law taking effect Jan. 1 will require tattoo artists across the state to complete training designed to help identify and safely report signs of human trafficking, expanding who may be able to recognize victims in everyday settings.

The law, known as the Ink of Hope Act, requires every licensed tattoo artist to complete up to one hour of training when renewing their license. The training focuses on recognizing warning signs of trafficking and how to report concerns without confronting a suspected trafficker or putting a victim at risk.

Why tattoo shops?

Advocates say traffickers sometimes use tattoos as a form of control, branding victims with names, symbols, or dates tied to their trafficker.

“You’re in a very intimate space with someone,” said Tom Chisholm, owner of Bellevue Tattoo Emporium. “You can often tell if someone is getting a tattoo because they want it or because they feel like they have to.”

A 2022 survey of 40 U.S. anti-trafficking organizations found 47% of survivors reported being branded or tagged with a tattoo by their trafficker.

Chisholm says some tattoo requests can raise red flags.

“Certain dates can represent different handlers,” he explained. “It’s essentially a substitute for a name.”

That’s one reason lawmakers targeted the tattoo industry for mandatory training, alongside other professions like health care providers and hair stylists that already receive trafficking awareness education.

Training without confrontation

The training required under the law will be provided by an accredited nonprofit and delivered as a short video. It teaches artists how to recognize potential signs of trafficking and how to report concerns safely to authorities without intervening directly.

The law also includes protections for tattoo artists, shielding them from liability when deciding whether to report suspected trafficking.

At Bellevue Tattoo Emporium, Chisholm has already implemented measures that mirror what the training emphasizes.

He has posted signs at every tattoo station and inside the bathroom explaining a discreet hand signal that victims can use to ask for help and reassuring clients that staff will respond quietly and confidentially.

Tom Chisholm inside his tattoo shop.{ } (Photo by Fox 17 News)

“If someone gives us that signal or whispers that they need help, we know what to do without causing a scene,” Chisholm said. “We can step away and make the call without tipping anyone off.”

One person can make a difference

Survivor advocates say expanding trafficking awareness to more public-facing businesses can help interrupt dangerous situations, especially in places with heavy foot traffic or frequent visitors.

Tennessee Voices for Victims works with survivors across the state and supports laws aimed at earlier intervention.

“Often victims are living in a world of such violence and abuse that they think they can’t get out,” said Verna Wyatt, the organization’s executive director. “But there is support for them.

Wyatt says human trafficking impacts communities statewide, not just large cities, and victims may encounter many people before someone recognizes the signs.

What happens next

The Ink of Hope Act takes effect Jan. 1, making Tennessee one of the first states to require formal human trafficking awareness training specifically for tattoo artists.

Supporters say the goal isn’t to turn artists into investigators, but to give them tools to respond safely if something feels off.

“If you can do one more thing to make this less likely to happen,” Chisholm said, “that’s a really good thing.”

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, you can call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-800-55-TNHTH or 1-800-558-6484.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — As millions of people take to the roads this Christmas Eve, new data from the state of Tennessee shows a promising trend: traffic deaths are down so far this year compared to this time last year.

But safety officials say the numbers also reveal ongoing concerns, particularly involving certain age groups and risky driving behaviors.

With holiday travel in full swing, the state is urging drivers not to let their guard down. While the overall data is moving in the right direction, officials say the details show who remains most at risk on Tennessee roads.

According to state data, Middle Tennessee has recorded 252 traffic fatalities so far this year. That’s down from 265 at the same point last year and significantly lower than 312 in 2023.

The numbers represent nearly a 5 percent decrease from last year and more than a 15 percent drop compared to two years ago.

When broken down by age, however, the data shows mixed results.

Fatal crashes involving teen drivers have increased, rising from 29 last year to 39 so far this year. Crashes involving older drivers — those ages 65 and up — have also climbed, reaching 63 fatalities, the highest total of the past three years.

Looking at driving behaviors, speeding remains one of the deadliest factors on Tennessee roadways, though speed-related fatalities are down compared to last year. Deaths tied to distracted driving have also declined in 2025.

Deadly driving behaviors.{ } (Photo: FOX 17 News)

Pedestrian fatalities are down as well, dropping from 43 last year to 34 so far this year. However, motorcyclist deaths have increased compared to last year, according to the data.

While the overall decline in traffic fatalities is encouraging, officials stress that the holiday season brings heavier traffic, longer drives, and more chances for mistakes. They continue to urge drivers to slow down, stay focused, and make safe choices behind the wheel as Christmas travel continues.