One Lexington director see partnership key in moving forward with Gun Violence Task Force recommendations
Originally published by WEKU.
The director of the City of Lexington’s program to coordinate efforts addressing gun violence says partnering remains a key facet to see further reductions in violent crime.
One Lexington Director Devine Carama was asked during Tuesday’s Council work session to comment on the Gun Violence Task Force report. It contains a number of recommendations including declaring gun violence a public health crisis. Carama agrees it’s a crisis and requires working together.
“I don’t think any major implementation should go down in regards to gun violence without community input. That is how we formed our plan that we’ve been operating under the last two and a half years,” said Carama.
Carama said One Lexington brought in around 45 community partners and surveyed some 200 youth it was serving at the time. Carama said work to update the strategic plan is scheduled in early 2025.
“And we would love for these recommendations in this process to be coupled with that strategic planning session in February. So all the experts across the City, all the people that are a part of this incredible community can be part of how that is implemented,” said Carama.
The Task Force Report recommends supporting response teams for behavioral health emergencies and creating a new position; gun violence program coordinator. Carama told Council members he doesn’t see a need to reinvent the wheel but sees an opportunity for partnership.
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Originally published by WEKU.
Republished with permission.
