Lexington Council panel backs recommendations on addressing gun violence and its effects

A Lexington Council committee has endorsed recommendations focusing on addressing gun violence. The presentation on Tuesday included a recognition of how gun deaths affect families and communities.

Before a series of suggestions by the Gun Violence Task Force was explained, gun violence survivors were asked to stand. Among them was Cheryl Birch whose son was fatally shot in 2009 in downtown Lexington.

“You know I think that it’s moving forward. Of course, it’s been a slow train and a slow process, but I think it will get us about better. I think it’s important that those community centers are open, so the kids have something to do,” said Birch.

The workgroup is asking to define gun violence as a public health crisis, a month-long gun violence awareness emphasis, to support response teams for behavioral health emergencies. Another one of the suggestions is to create a new position in government; gun violence program coordinator.

First District Council Member Tayna Fogel said quote, “the bullet doesn’t have an eyesight as to where it’s gonna go or the aftereffects that it leaves when you’re trying to put your family back together.”

“We invest money in a lot of things…you can’t get your babies back. This is the work that we must all do with public safety,” said Fogle.

The recommendation to declare gun violence a public health crisis includes a provision for the health department to review programs to prevent such violence. Another is to expand the scope of gun violence response to all people instead of the current ages of 13 to 29.

Council Member James Brown said additional resources could come to public safety divisions to enhance citizen safety and services to victims. Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the recommendations could be incorporated into existing efforts that seem to be working through the One Lexington team. He said that would help avoid duplication.

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