conveying the message that the residents , groups and the community do not support the use of violence .”
We view the Cure Violence model as an opportunity to build an interconnected system of violence interruption that spans from the streets to the emergency room . It will allow us to more fully resource and support organizations like “ No More Red Dots ,” led by Dr . Eddie Woods , that has worked in the Louisville community for more than 30 years interrupting violence in neighborhoods that have seen historically disproportionate rates of shootings and homicides . By resourcing this system , we will reduce the likelihood that individuals with multiple risk factors will fall between the cracks and re-enter a cycle of violence that leads to injury recidivism or death .
With the understanding that violence is a public health issue , Mayor Greg Fischer established the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods to develop comprehensive violence prevention action plans . We focus our work on understanding the root causes of violence , utilizing a public health approach , and employing data driven , evidence-based solutions . We work collectively with community partners to help build community capacity , support educational obtainment , improve economic mobility , enhance health and social wellness , and resource those who have been justice involved . As a result of these efforts , “ One Love Louisville ” was created to serve as a campaign and call to action for every Louisville citizen to “ Be the 1 ” to make a difference in our city ( Onelovelou . org ). One Love Louisville is a multi-sector partnership , relying on community members and organizations to “ own ” parts of the work and set goals to achieve . Areas of focus have
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included youth engagement and development as well as black male achievement . Across the country , young ( under the age of 25 ) African American males make up the highest demographic impacted by gun violence . This preventable loss is deplorable and unacceptable . We are clear in our understanding that this loss occurs within a context of historical , systemic and structural racism which perpetuates racialized outcomes across economic , health and educational spheres . Given this reality , our work must incorporate a socio-ecological perspective that cuts across individual , interpersonal , organizational , community and public policy levels .
Louisville is gaining momentum in our collective understanding of utilizing a public health approach to violence prevention . We are poised to make the right investments to best use our health system , including our hospital and community-based violence interruption work . We are working with the neighborhood residents and community leaders to increase knowledge and raise awareness of conflict resolution skills , mental health first aid , community organizing , etc . There are a multitude of efforts to “ inoculate ” citizens against the disease of violence , and to increase the presence of protective factors . We know that no one can do everything , but everyone can do something . We will continue the “ Be The 1 ” call for all Louisville citizens because , ultimately , we know that it will take all of us working together to ensure that everyone is able to live in a neighborhood that is safe , healthy , compassionate , and full of opportunity . As Mayor Fischer says , we each deserve a chance to reach our full human potential .
Rashaad Abdur-Rahman , LCSW works for the Office of Mayor Greg Fischer as the Director of Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods .
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