Community Gun Violence

We cannot expect individuals and families to experience good health and wellbeing in the presence of community-level violence. The reality of growing up in East Oakland too often includes hearing gunshots, witnessing gun violence, and experiencing a shooting injury or death, directly or indirectly. Just the fear of gun violence itself raises stress levels for everyone, including parents, children and our elders. Community violence also limits where residents can feel safe being outdoors or accessing resources.  We advocate with community leaders, partners and government to raise awareness and advocate for increased resources to address both the causes and the impacts of community violence.

Community Violence is a Public Health Crisis

Roots Community Health along with other organizations and community leaders called on Alameda County and the City of Oakland to officially declare gun violence a public health crisis and commit $100 million of newly available federal pandemic relief funding to help communities directly impacted by gun violence. Both Alameda County and the City of Oakland declared gun violence a public health crisis in 2021, and the Alameda County Public Health Department established its first ever Office of Violence Prevention. Roots continues to advocate for implementation of critical infrastructure to address both the drivers and impacts of community gun violence.

Relevant Documents

Relevant Media

Partners

  • Brotherhood of Elders Network (BOEN)
  • African American Response Circle (AARC)
  • LIVE FREE
  • Faith in Action East Bay
  • BOSS
  • Oakland Frontline Healers