Kansas City Health Department’s “Let’s Win KC” Initiative Makes Impact on Wear Orange Day for National Gun Violence Awareness Week
Kansas City, MO – June 12, 2024 – The Kansas City Health Department’s “Let’s Win KC” initiative made a powerful statement on Wear Orange Day for National Gun Violence Awareness Week. The event, part of the 18th & Vine District’s June First Fridays, took place from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, and drew significant attention and participation, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Let’s Win KC provided resources, educational materials, and advocacy tools to raise awareness about gun violence and promote community safety. The highlight of the event was a compelling gun violence discussion panel, featuring esteemed speakers such as Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, Major Dan Haley of the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), Director of Public Safety Melesa Johnson, and Major Kari Thompson of KCPD. Over 50 attendees actively engaged in the dialogue and shared their perspectives on addressing gun violence in the community.
Following the conclusion of the panel discussion, members of the Kansas City chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council gathered to take a united stand against gun violence, captured in a photo symbolizing a collective commitment to addressing this critical issue and promoting peace within the community.
The “Let’s Win KC” initiative’s Wear Orange Day event was a testament to the community’s resilience and determination to combat gun violence. By fostering open dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy, the event underscored the shared efforts and commitment to creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Kansas City. “As we work to prevent gun violence in Kansas City it’s imperative to address the systemic barriers to truly diminish the root causes of this societal affliction.” explains Cecil Wattree, Division Manager of the KCMO Health Department. “We will continue to conduct community outreach, including community engagement meetings.” More resources and information will be shared with the community through KC Blueprint, the City’s crime prevention plan.
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It’s time we end gun violence. Gun violence has delivered incredible LOSSES to our community from our overall well-being to our peace and our lives, It’s time we turn these LOSSES to WINS by doing the necessary work and providing the required resources.
As a step in this journey, let’s show a UNITED front by wearing orange on June 7th, National Gun Violence Awareness Day. We won’t stop there. We encourage you to light up the city buildings with orange and incorporate orange throughout your organization.