Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance makes progress
Published on July 22, 2024
With two meetings under its belt, the Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance is making progress in the effort to turn the tide on gun crime and neighborhood violence in Gainesville, Alachua County and the surrounding municipalities. Participants are focused on three broad objectives: to cooperate and strengthen efforts to address gun violence; to improve outcomes for survivors and those at risk; and to spearhead a collaborative group of community stakeholders.
The Alliance is the result of an agreement between three main partners: the City of Gainesville, Alachua County and Santa Fe College. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in May, and meetings began in June. Attended by stakeholders, policymakers and neighbors both in person and online, these gatherings are a direct outcome of priorities set by local elected officials.
“Last year, the Gainesville City Commission and the Alachua County Commission declared gun violence a public health crisis,” said Gainesville City Manager Cynthia W. Curry. “In June, the United States Surgeon General did the same. The Alliance uses the basic tenets and tools of public health to convene experts able to develop, test and adopt strategies to help prevent violent crime in our community.”
This approach reflects the vision of IMPACT GNV, the framework that guides the City of Gainesville’s gun violence intervention and prevention initiatives. Under the leadership of City Manager Curry, IMPACT GNV has partnered with the B.O.L.D. program (Brave, Overt Leaders of Distinction) to provide assistance and case management to individuals, often justice-involved, in need of guidance and support. The City also has teamed with the Willie Mae Stokes Community Center for community outreach and violence interruption in areas hardest hit by gun crime.
“Our team has attended multiple community meetings and events since forming in March,” said Gainesville Gun Violence Intervention Program Manager Brittany Coleman. “Public education is key to our work, and we use a trauma-informed approach because so many people have been impacted by violence. So far, we have engaged with more than 200 neighbors, and about 80 children and families have taken our gun safety pledge.”
Meetings of the Alliance are open to the public and provide community members with an opportunity to share opinions and ask questions that will shape future programs and services. To register to attend an upcoming meeting, contact Dr. Asha Brunings, Santa Fe College Interim Executive Director of Organizational and Community Engagement.
To subscribe to the City of Gainesville’s IMPACT GNV quarterly newsletter visit www.GainesvilleFL.gov/IMPACTGNV.