Drafter

Clerk 09/20/2024

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A MOTION acknowledging receipt of a gun violence prevention and response plan, in accordance with the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget Ordinance, Ordinance 19546, Section 42, as amended by Ordinance 19791, Section 17, Proviso P2.

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                     WHEREAS, gun violence has been increasing in King County since 2017 and gun homicides are now the leading cause of death for children and young adults, and

                     WHEREAS, gun violence prevention has been an executive priority since 2013, and

                     WHEREAS, in October 2023, a regional office for gun violence prevention was created within public health - Seattle & King County, and

                     WHEREAS, in June 2024, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an Advisory on Firearm Violence and declared gun violence in the United States a public health crisis, and

                     WHEREAS, the advisory outlines an evidence-informed public health approach to address firearm violence that includes strengthening data collection, expanding community violence interventions, increasing the roles of emergency preparedness and the health care system in preventing gun violence, promoting safe storage of guns and ammunition, and improving mental health supports, and

                     WHEREAS, in August 2024, the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention released a national action plan to address gun violence, which recommends that consistent and sustained funding be devoted to community violence intervention programs;

                     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:

                     The receipt of the executive's gun violence prevention and response plan, Attachment A to this motion, in accordance with the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget

Ordinance, Ordinance 19546, Section 42, as amended by Ordinance 19791, Section 17, Proviso P2, is hereby acknowledged.