Community Justice Applauds Establishment of the Maryland Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2024

Annapolis, MD –– Today, Community Justice applauds Maryland Governor Moore for passing legislation (SB0475/HB0583) creating the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention. Tarria Stanley, Regional Advocacy Manager, Community Justice and co-lead of the Maryland Violence Prevention Coalition released the following statement: 

“Community Justice has long advocated for meaningful change in Maryland, alongside local partners, putting Marylanders first. Governor Wes Moore’s signing of SB0475/HB0583 to establish the Maryland Center for Firearm Prevention and Intervention marks a new chapter in the state’s history – one where reducing gun violence is treated like a public health crisis, harnessing the full power of the state government to save lives.

“A comprehensive public health approach to gun violence, which includes conflict mediation and community violence intervention programs, has been proven to protect Black and brown communities most vulnerable to and disproportionately impacted by gun violence. A robustly funded Center will enable the state to address gun violence comprehensively and, most importantly, break cycles of violence in communities throughout the state. Community Justice looks forward to our continued partnership with advocates on the ground, Governor Moore’s office, and Marylanders to save lives.”