Gun Violence Day Press Release

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) recognizes Gun Violence Awareness Day by reminding everyone that gun violence is preventable, and the epidemic of gun violence is one of the most significant public health issues of current times.

In a motion authored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 2, 2019 as  Gun Violence Awareness Day joining other jurisdictions in support of research into the causes and solutions to gun violence including policy change at the federal level.

“Violence in all forms is unacceptable but gun violence in particular is an issue of grave concern given its lethality and the daily toll we see in the lives of victims and their family and friends, and in society overall,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. "Efforts are needed at all levels to address the scourge of gun violence and to create communities where everyone feels safe and can thrive."

For more information and to participate in Gun Violence Awareness Day activities, visit:

·         Louder Than Guns LA: https://www.louderthanguns.org

·         Wear Orange: https://wearorange.org

·         Everytown for Gun Safety: http://everytown.wecanendgunviolence.org

·         Prevention Institute: https://www.preventioninstitute.org/focus-areas/preventing-violence-and-reducing-injury/preventing-violence-advocacy

OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION BOARD MOTION

On March 13th, The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors introduced a motion, that passed unanimously, directing the Department of Public Health and Chief Executive Office to develop a plan to outline the staffing and resources needed to create a new countywide Office of Violence Prevention within DPH. The board response also includes outlining a plan for rolling out a 6-month strategic planning process.

On February 19, 2019, the LA County Board of Supervisors voted on a motion to officially establish and fund the Office of Violence Prevention Program

Our framework is a comprehensive, public health approach to violence prevention that includes:

•  Violence prevention across the lifespan (i.e. child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, teen dating violence, sexual violence, suicide prevention, youth violence, gang violence, gun safety and policy, elder abuse, systemic violence)
•  Prevention and intervention, trauma informed approaches, community development/resilience, place-based approaches
• Best and promising practices and strategies designed for specific populations
• Violence prevention data, research and communications
•  Centralized coordination and connecting community organizations, county departments and partners to build capacity and align efforts
•  Advancing policy and systems change

suicide is preventable

Suicide continues to be a leading cause of preventable injury and premature death in Los Angeles County. The Injury and Violence Prevention Program urges the public to learn more about suicide risk factors, warning signs and resources to help someone who may be at risk.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), help is available

Click here for Suicide Brief document: The Public Health Impact of Suicide in
Los Angeles County - 2018

Click here for data brief on Youth Suicide Prevention in LA County

Click here for the 2017 Infographic on The Public Health Impact
of Suicide in Los Angeles County.

Additional Suicide Prevention Resources

1. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – Access Center Helpline (24/7 and Bilingual) 800-854-7771 http://dmh.lacounty.gov

2. LA County 211 (24/7 and Bilingual) 2-1-1 http://211.org

Click here to read award

	Parks After Dark—Evaluation Brief 2017 Click here to open PAD Evaluation Brief
	New Rapid Health Impact Assessment Report The report, Potential Costs and Health Benefits of Parks After Dark: A Rapid Health Impact Assessment, examines the potential impacts of Parks After Dark on safety, physical activity, and cross-sector collaboration. Continuation and expansion of Parks After Dark would have positive impacts on the health and wellbeing of residents who live in areas disproportionately impacted by violence, obesity, and economic hardship. Full Report   Executive Summary
	Parks After Dark Preventing Violence While Promoting Healthy, Active Living                          Want to learn more about how parks can have a pivotal role in addressing violence prevention while at the same time combating obesity? Parks After Dark Brief contains information about the innovative program found at many Los Angeles County Parks.
	Concussions: How sports-related injuries are impacting our youth in Los Angeles County (May 2014) The Concussion Report  provides information on Los Angeles County residents who were treated for a concussion either as a patient in the hospital or in an emergency department.