CSS 2020-11-23 Item 1C - Discussion - King County Regional Approach to Gun Violence

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Issue and Desired Result Statements for King County Regional Approach Gun Violence Updated (11/13/20) Issue Statement Gun violence in our neighborhoods, cities, and county impacts public health and public safety. Historically, roughly 40% of reported firearm violence has been concentrated mainly within South King County. Those most directly affected are Black/African American boys and young men. Much like COVID- 19, youth gun violence is a fatal epidemic and confronting the violence requires more than addressing the violence through the scope of "guns and youth"; but also directly addressing racial inequities in system's policies and practices and the dismantling of systemic racism. Growing evidence continues to validate the authentic experiences of young people growing up in communities racked by violence and these experiences have an adverse effect on social and emotional health, and educational and economic outcomes of young people directly involved in violence as compared to those who are not. The subsequent effects of gun violence and its impacts on youth have been the clear and urgent call for many County, City, and community partners. According to the 2019 Public Health Report on Gun Violence Among Youth and Young Adults, firearms are the leading cause of suicide and homicide deaths among youth and young adults in King County. Looking specifically at firearm homicides, shooting deaths are up 58% over the three-year average, with 59 firearm homicides reported through the end of September 2020; which is increase above the yearly total of 49 in 2019. Of the 68 homicides in King County during 2020, 23 victims were young people ages 16 to 25 who were killed by gunfire. Harborview Medical Center reports treating 108 gunshot patients between May and July 2020; and 19% of those treated were under the age of 19, with another 30% between the ages of 20 and 29. This data which includes victims who went to hospitals other than HMC or did not go to a hospital at all, totals 256 shooting victims, a combination of 59 fatalities and 197 nonfatal shootings through the end of September 2020. 41% of these victims are under the age of 25. Desired Result Statement The King County Regional Gun Violence Coalition's purpose is to improve the lives of Black/ African American youth and young adults ages 25 years and younger living in King County. Our goal is to prevent and eliminate youth gun violence by ensuring sustainable conditions that allow young people to be healthy, hopeful, safe, and thriving. If