Gun violence is a public health crisis, and until we treat it as such, we have no hope of being able to make an impact. Ending gun violence is going to take a multi-pronged holistic approach. 

According to a recent survey by Washington University, when asked, “What is the biggest health problem facing St. Louis?” After choosing from 14 options, they were asked, “What is the second biggest health problem facing St. Louis?”  A large majority (63%) of those surveyed chose gun violence as the biggest or second most significant health problem, far ahead of the following highest priorities: mental health (27%), healthcare access and costs (24%), and drug abuse/addiction/overdose (23%). When the same survey was conducted in 2023, 70% rated gun violence as the biggest or second most significant health problem. 

There is a connection between neighborhoods with gun violence and poverty, so to address this issue effectively, we have to cure poverty and provide robust re-entry support and jobs/training programs. We also need to fully fund and support the violence interrupters programs in St Louis. 

Violence Interrupters go out and engage directly with the community, provide mediation, and sometimes put themselves directly in the middle of the conflict to resolve it and make our communities safer. They are essential to a holistic approach to gun violence. As Alderwoman of the 3rd Ward, I will work to ensure that effective programs are funded and expanded to more neighborhoods.