The Importance of Community in Gun Violence Prevention: A Conversation with Eleuthera Lisch
This week on a special 100 Days of Action episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday interviewed Eleuthera Lisch, the first director of the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Their conversation highlighted the importance of community involvement and a public health approach to addressing the issue of gun violence.
Lisch emphasized that gun violence is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. "Gun violence is not a matter of an individual group or community's problem," she said. "It's all of our responsibility and all of our problem."
The Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, launched in October 2023, is one of the few offices in the nation rooted in a Department of Public Health. This approach recognizes that gun violence is not just a criminal justice issue, but a public health crisis that affects entire communities.
Lisch stressed the importance of institutionalizing this approach to ensure long-term solutions. "When we institutionalize something, we make it permanent and we recognize its value add to stabilizing and creating long term solutions," she explained.
Community involvement is at the heart of this approach. Lisch highlighted the importance of uplifting and connecting grassroots organizations to resources. "The community is the cure, and we are just a conduit," she said.
Holiday echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to embed community-led solutions into the fabric of gun violence prevention efforts. "Communities have always had solutions that haven't always been elevated," he said.
The conversation also touched on the importance of tailoring approaches to the unique needs of different communities. Lisch acknowledged the disproportionate impact of gun violence on the Black community and the need to address systemic racism as part of the solution.
Both Lisch and Holiday expressed optimism about the future of gun violence prevention. They highlighted the importance of collaboration, community involvement, and a public health approach to addressing this complex issue.
"We're just getting started," Lisch said. "And our office has been received. Welcome to be in conversations where we commit ourselves to partner and walk alongside and not assume leadership."
This conversation serves as a reminder that gun violence is a solvable problem. By working together and centering community-led solutions, we can create a safer future for all.
For more information on the 100 Days of Action campaign visit kingcounty.gov.
Tune into The Day With Trae this week at 11am for insightful discussions addressing gun violence in our communities.
