In Akron, Ohio, community leaders, medical professionals, and educators convened at the ‘Akron Children’s Goes Orange’ conference to address the pressing issue of youth exposure to gun violence. The event, held on May 29, highlighted the need for increased education and preventative measures to safeguard children.
Dr. Nathan Heinzerling, director of Akron Children’s Trauma Center, emphasized the frequency of firearm-related incidents affecting young people in the area. ‘We see more than what we would like to of firearm violence,’ he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The conference was a response to ongoing concerns about youth firearm violence in Akron, with incidents such as last summer’s shooting outside Mason Community Learning Center, which injured at least three children, sparking widespread community dialogue.
Kemp Boyd, executive director of Love Akron, stressed the importance of proactive engagement. ‘Every adult plays a role in preventing gun violence in our community, and that starts with having proactive conversations with kids about firearm safety,’ Boyd said. He noted that many young people in Akron frequently encounter gun violence, leading to emotional distress and a heightened state of alertness.
Boyd advocated for building trust with youth to facilitate open discussions about gun violence, encouraging adults to listen more and create safe spaces for these conversations. ‘The exposure is happening, the curiosity is real, the silence increases the risk,’ he added.
Community Efforts and Education
Nonprofits in Akron have called for action, and young filmmakers have produced documentaries to raise awareness. The City of Akron has also supported initiatives like sports and wellness grants to deter youth from engaging in violence.
Dr. Chethan Sathya, director of Northwell Health’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention, highlighted the importance of reframing gun violence as a public health issue. ‘I encourage everyone to think about gun violence no different than they think about COVID-19 or substances,’ he said, emphasizing the power of conversation in addressing the problem.
The conference provided safety tips and stressed the importance of responsibility in preventing firearm-related incidents. ‘Responsibility — it’s not optional,’ Boyd concluded, emphasizing that acknowledging and accepting responsibility is crucial in creating a safer community.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
