National Gun Violence Awareness Day 6.7.24

Friday, June 7 was recognized nationwide as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Throughout the weekend thousands of individuals across the nation participated in the #WearOrange campaign to honor victims and survivors of gun violence.

On Monday, June 10, Mayor Jason Hayes presented JLD Community Solutions with a proclamation in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Davidson Local, a hyperlocal daily news publication, recently highlighted a proclamation by Governor Roy Cooper recognizing June 3 as Gun Violence Awareness Day to raise awareness and remember the lives lost to gun violence. They shared a staggering statistic:

"North Carolina has the 17th highest rate of gun deaths in the nation, with an average of more than 1,300 gun deaths each year."

Governor Cooper has proposed that the state budget include $5 million for violence intervention grants and $2.5 million annually for violence education and prevention programs aimed at at-risk youth and those involved in the juvenile justice system. Davidson Local also reported that "Governor Cooper has included violence intervention as a top funding priority," focusing on community violence intervention and prevention initiatives.

Receiving a second proclamation related to gun violence awareness from Mayor Jason Hayes, coupled with the emphasis Governor Roy Cooper places on this issue, reassures us that we are on the right path. It is encouraging to know we have both local and governmental support available to further our mission.

Read more Davidson Local articles related to JLD Community Solutions here.