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On May 11, the CDC released new data on the tragic increase in firearm deaths, along with recommendations for what can be done to prevent violence and reduce racial and ethnic disparities, notably community violence intervention.
Between 2019 and 2020, the firearm homicide rate increased about 35% and the firearm suicide rate remained high.
The largest increase in firearm homicides was among Black people (39%). The largest increase in firearm suicides was among American Indian and Alaska Native people (42%).
In 2020, counties with the highest poverty level had firearm homicide rates 4.5 times as high and firearm suicide rates 1.3 times as high as counties with the lowest poverty level."
As part of the findings, the CDC stated: "Preventing firearm deaths requires a comprehensive approach and various partners from across sectors working directly with communities to decrease inequities and increase resiliency and well-being. Programs, policies, and practices can reduce inequities by focusing on the places and people experiencing the greatest burden of violence as well as the underlying conditions contributing to risk." See more on their CVI recommendations.
The Collective responded:
"The finding released today by the CDC showing a 39% increase in the firearm homicide rate among Black people between 2019 and 2020 is not just an important indicator, it’s a painful truth too many communities know firsthand. But, as the CDC noted, community violence intervention (CVI) is key to reversing this trend and saving lives and families. Black and Brown expert CVI practitioners across the country have the solutions to these problems. We are fighting to make sure these organizations and leaders have the resources they need to tackle this public health challenge, build up these communities and avoid more trauma and loss." - Latrina Kelly-James, Director of Training & Technical Assistance, CBPS Collective
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