ISSUE

Community Safety

Violence is an epidemic in American cities, particularly among youth. It is the leading cause of injury and death for children and young adults.

Local health officials across the nation work with other city and community leaders to stop violence. They act as safety net providers and connect family members to parenting support, home visits, injury and violence prevention, and intimate partner violence screening. 

Policy recommendations

A public health approach to community safety addresses the roots of violence – including structural racism. We can build safer communities by enabling access to affordable housing, green spaces, living wages, quality education, and more – especially in communities that have been most impacted by disinvestment.

We urge policymakers not only to pursue gun safety measures but also to seize every opportunity to advance the more comprehensive strategies and investments that are necessary to make all our communities as safe and healthy as possible.

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How to promote community safety: Our policy recommendations

Download now How to promote community safety: Our policy recommendations
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