Delete WardCouncil Expected to Pass Resolution Declaring Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis
Apr 28, 2025
Cleveland City Councilman Richard A. Starr will introduce a resolution tonight for passage of full Council declaring gun violence a public health crisis in the City of Cleveland. Councilman Starr is also introducing a resolution declaring May 1st through 7th Gun Violence Survivors Week in Cleveland.
These efforts are aimed at addressing the devastating and far-reaching impact gun violence has on residents, families, and neighborhoods across the city.
"As a city, we can not ignore the devastating effects of gun violence on our community," said Council President Blaine A. Griffin. "Declaring this issue a public health crisis, acknowledges the severity of the problem and calls for innovative solutions that promote healing, prevention, and recovery for those impacted by gun violence."
Staggering Local and Statewide Statistics Highlight Urgency
Across Ohio in 2023, 1,800 people lost their lives to firearms—equivalent to 15 firearm deaths per 100,000 residents. Of these fatalities:
• Approximately 40% were homicides
• Nearly 60% were suicides
• An additional 600 individuals were shot and wounded
In Cuyahoga County, the problem is even more severe. In 2021, the county recorded the highest firearm death rate in the state, at 20 deaths per 100,000 people. Notably:
• 80% of homicide victims were male
• Nearly 86% were Black
In Cleveland, the statistics are even more alarming. In 2023, the city experienced:
• A firearm death rate of 45.4 per 100,000 residents, including approximately 165 homicides
• 22% of those deaths were due to suicide
• Of the 148 firearm homicides, 85% of the victims were male, 85% were Black, and 27% were under the age of 17—half of whom were Black youth
"We must prioritize the health and well-being of our residents, especially our youth, who are disproportionately impacted by gun violence," said Councilman Richard A. Starr. "This declaration is an important step in acknowledging the depth of this crisis and allows us to leverage additional resources to prevent gun violence and protect the health and safety of our community."
This declaration reflects the growing concern among city officials, public health experts, and community leaders over the alarming rise in gun-related incidents in recent years. By classifying gun violence as a public health crisis, Cleveland aims to mobilize resources and partnerships across various sectors, including law enforcement, healthcare, education, and community organizations, to develop comprehensive and proactive strategies to address the issue.
A Public Health Response to Save Lives
By formally declaring gun violence a public health crisis, Cleveland City Council commits to a comprehensive, multi-agency approach that addresses both immediate harm and long-term solutions. This includes:
• Collaborating with public health experts, community organizations, and law enforcement
• Investing in evidence-based violence interruption and prevention strategies
• Providing trauma-informed care and support services for survivors and families
• Promoting mental health resources and responsible firearm storage practices
• Tackling systemic root causes such as poverty, inequity, and lack of opportunity
Next Steps
Cleveland City Council will work closely with the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Public Health, and community stakeholders to implement this public health approach. Future efforts will include policy reform, education, community outreach, and data-driven strategies to prevent violence before it occurs.
Councilman Starr is planning to collaborate with local organizations on gun buyback initiatives throughout the year, and partner to a “Ghetto Therapy Men’s Night focused on 'Survivors of Gun Violence'" as part of broader efforts to address gun violence.