The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released a multi-point Gun Violence Prevention Platform on April 7 that identifies four key priority areas and includes strategies that will form the foundation of actions to be taken in 2023.

The four areas of focus are gun safety legislation, social connections and healing services, gun violence restraining orders awareness and enforcement, and school safety and services.

The platform will be implemented by a diverse group of county and community partners including community and faith leaders, health care and mental health professionals, social service providers and public health practitioners.

“There have been far too many families and communities in L.A. County impacted by violence that is both predictable and preventable,” said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Stronger gun regulations and innovative solutions that are laid out in the Gun Violence Prevention Platform are necessary steps to address this crisis and prevent acts of violence, including mass shootings, that take the lives of friends, neighbors and community members.”

“Gun violence is a public health issue,” said Dr. Susan Stone, Senior medical director of utilization and care management services for L.A. Care. “As the largest public health plan in the country, serving many who have suffered from gun violence, L.A. Care is committed to working with our county partners in taking a stand against gun violence and for gun safety, making people’s lives safer and healthier. And, as an ER doctor, I’ve seen the devastation of gun violence on families and want to help minimize the pain.”

To read the plan, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/ovp/docs/GVPP/2023%20GVP%20Platform%20Report.pdf.