Re: Seeking Safe Passage: Curing a Public Epidemic (October 7, 2009), it is heartening to see that in the wake of this tragedy, Chicago is looking beyond law enforcement measures and taking steps to prevent violence before it occurs.
Preventing violence takes a comprehensive approach that focuses on entire communities and builds protective factors from an early age. It requires collaboration from schools, public health, and economic development agencies, in addition to law enforcement.
Like Chicago, it is critical that cities across the Country focus their attention on this epidemic of violence. As people who have skills and a track record in prevention - public health professionals must be part of the solution.
Rachel Davis, MSW
Director, Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth (UNITY)
