TITLE
Title
PROCLAIM JUNE 6, 2025 AS NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY
end
SPONSOR
Sponsor
Commissioner Mary Beth Murphy
end
BACKGROUND
Background
WHEREAS, June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month with June 6th as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Residents of Guilford County, North Carolina, and citizens throughout the United States are pledging to Wear Orange on June 6 to help increase awareness on issues related to and surrounding gun violence; and
WHEREAS, gun violence reaches every fragment of our society and impacts people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and nationalities; it increases the likelihood of death in incidents of domestic violence, assault, homicide, and among those who attempt suicide; it places children and young people at increased risk of physical injury and trauma; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, Guilford County experienced a shattering number of firearm-involved violent incidents; including 90 homicides in which 90% involved the use of a firearm; 70 suicides in which 59% involved the use of a firearm; 75 accidental shootings; and a total of 1,607 victims of firearm-involved incidents of violent crime. Thankfully, in 2024, the number of homicides decreased by nearly 50%, offering a hopeful sign of progress for community safety; and
WHEREAS, Guilford County supports continued local and statewide efforts to strengthen firearm safety and educate the community on safe gun storage; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the Guilford County - Division of Public Health established the Guilford County Violence Prevention Initiative, a collective of community partners, law enforcement agencies and other organizations including the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, Greensboro Police Department, High Point Police Department, the Guilford County Family Justice Center, High Point Community Against Violence and others; and
WHEREAS, to also identify steps that can be taken to prevent gun violence and educate residents, to track emerging gun violence trends, and deploy tools critical to prevent firearm-involved violence in our communities; and
WHEREAS, we recognize survivors of gun violence, honor the lives lost to gun violence in Guilford County, commit to reducing gun violence, and encourage responsible gun ownership to keep our residents safe; and
WHEREAS, gun violence awareness is highlighted in June but necessitates daily awareness. We can all work to end gun violence to ensure that Guilford County remains a safe, vibrant, and healthy community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners proclaims June 6, 2025 to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
ADOPTED this the 5th day of June, 2025.
end
REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Proclaim June 6, 2025 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Guilford County.
end