Regional Wrap
A wrap-up of local gun violence prevention news and stories from across the U.S.
As there is a pause at the Federal level for gun violence prevention, the most productive action has moved to the local level. Every other week, we bring you the Regional Wrap to get you caught up on gun violence prevention news that might be happening right in your town.
ALABAMA:
VIDEO: Birmingham City Council marks Gun Violence Awareness Month, urges residents to wear orange
“[Councilor LaTonya] Tate said Birmingham has invested in community violence interrupters and hospital-linked programs designed to step in after shootings and prevent retaliation.”
ILLINOIS:
Chicago doctor on a mission to make gun manufacturers help pay costs of gun violence
“Gun violence intervention advocates are urging state lawmakers to pass the first-of-its-kind Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL) Act. Organizers said the RIFL Act would make Illinois the first state to hold gun manufacturers financially responsible for violence incurred by their weapons. This also includes resources for survivors and community violence intervention.”
INDIANA:
VIDEO: Young Men, Inc. preparing for summer camp to empower youth, prevent gun violence
“The camp has been around for decades — teaching kids life lessons through positive mentors.”
MARYLAND:
Data from New Study Suggest Safe Streets Baltimore Associated with Reductions in Youth Gun Violence
“The study examined 11 Safe Streets sites across Baltimore over the 2007 to 2023 period.”
MICHIGAN:
Governor Whitmer to sign executive order in Kalamazoo re-establishing Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
“The order will also lay out an approach to the recommendations given by the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in its final report.”
Michigan firearm data now available in near real-time
“A complex system in development for several years, Mi-FINDS is novel in its ability to geolocate, or map, the data, and it allows authorized users to view incidents of firearm injury below county-level.”
MINNESOTA:
Study: 1 in 50 HCMC violent trauma patients ended up as victims or perpetrators of homicides
“A new study is highlighting hospitals as a key component to gun violence prevention.”
MISSOURI:
Experts stepping up efforts to train faith communities in gun violence prevention
“Now in its third year, the Atwood Institute is a national gathering to equip faith communities to respond to gun violence with practical, pastoral, and prophetic action.”
NEW YORK:
Manhattan D.A. Bragg continues gun violence prevention efforts with gun buyback event
“New Yorkers can turn in their firearms for money — no questions asked — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 13 at the Upper West Side’s Central Baptist Church through the Manhattan District Attorney’s gun buyback event.”
Youth employment seen as key prevention tool as leaders address gun violence
“The Summer Youth Employment Program through CNY Works is one of those opportunities. The organization expects about 500 students to participate in summer jobs this year, with placements beginning after the Fourth of July.”
NORTH DAKOTA:
Gun violence prevention groups to post eviction notices at Capitol
“Volunteers with the organizations, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, will post the eviction notices on the doors of Republicans who blocked all attempts for the gun violence prevention package to be heard in the House.”
OHIO:
Awareness, advocacy and action: What’s planned in Cleveland to address gun violence this month
“Cleveland organizations are hosting a survivor walk, a teen takeover, a community bazaar and more throughout June — all free and open to the public.”
Staff members of the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance. (Photo: Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance; via Signal Cleveland)
PENNSYLVANIA:
VIDEO: Organizers rally at Pennsylvania Capitol to push for gun safety legislation
“The event, organized by CeaseFirePA and more than 20 partner organizations, brought together survivors of gun violence, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and community members to share their experiences and call for action.”
Shootings often rise in Philly when school’s out. Violence prevention groups have plans to change that.
“This summer, 30 public schools will be part of the School District of Philadelphia’s “extended day, extended year” program, which includes a six-week summer camp. That’s up from 20 public schools last year.”
VIDEO: ‘The impact has shown’: Efforts continue to reduce summer gun violence in Philly
“Philadelphia officials and community organizations say prevention programs and targeted enforcement are helping reduce shootings among young people.”
TENNESSEE:
Gun violence cost Tennessee nearly $4.5 billion in 2023, UT Knoxville study finds
“The study shows Tennessee ranked No. 5 in the U.S. for firearm homicides per capita in 2023.”
TEXAS:
VIDEO: Dallas County Juvenile Detention: 32% of youth held on gun charges as ATF steps in
“The access that our youth, now, have to possess and carry firearms has changed dramatically…. I think we have to have a conversation about what you have access to, when they’re out in the community.”
STHS shares important gun safety tips during National Gun Violence Awareness Month
“This National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the STHS Trauma & Critical Care Institute is joining Wear Orange, a national nonprofit dedicated to honoring the lives of those affected by gun violence and amplifying the voices of advocates working to end it—to raise awareness about firearm safety and prevention.”
VIRGINIA:
VIDEO: UVA Health launches new violence intervention program
“The program launched last month and aims to provide support during a critical moment after a violent injury.”
WISCONSIN:
VIDEO: Milwaukee anti-gun violence initiative prepares to graduate first class
“Why one Milwaukee man is working to advocate against gun violence by teaching students conflict resolution in his ‘I Will Not Die to Gun Violence’ initiative….”
Photo via TMJ4 News
