WHAT: Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Executive Director Barbie Robinson, and Dr. Chico Tillmon will provide an overview of national and local gun violence trends and updates on Harris County’s programs to curb gun violence. In addition, Dr. Tillmon will discuss his documentary, "The Credible Messenger,” which follows his own journey to understand why some people are at high risk of violence. It shows the important work of frontline public health professionals, called credible messengers. The documentary also reveals the challenges people face when returning to their communities after being in the criminal justice system. It highlights efforts to secure funding for community violence prevention through the American Rescue Plan Act.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 20, 10:45 a.m.
WHO: Commissioner Rodney Ellis
Barbie L. Robinson, MPP, JD, CHC, Executive Director, HCPH
Chico Tillmon, Ph. D, Executive Director, READI Chicago and Director, Community Safety Leadership Academies at the University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab
WHERE: NRG Center (at NRG Park), 1 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77054 Second Level, Room 306
As you drive to NRG Park, enter Gate 10 on the corner of Kirby Drive and McNee Road (8600 Kirby Drive) to park in the Orange Lot near NRG Center.
In the past year, HPCH’s Community Health and Violence Prevention Services launched programs to help prevent future gun violence from occurring in local high-risk neighborhoods and assist community members at risk of violence. Efforts include the Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone (RISE) program and the Holistic Assistance Response Team (HART).
RISE takes a multi-pronged approach to addressing and preventing violence in Harris County by deploying trained community workers or mentors (credible messengers) to stop violent events before they occur and provide comprehensive care to patients who enter hospitals due to injuries from violence.
HART connects residents at high risk of gun violence or becoming victims of violence to long-term resources and care coordination. The goal is to lead residents towards positive and self-sufficient lifestyles, ultimately reducing the disproportionate impact of gun violence on vulnerable populations. HART provides an alternative solution to the first responder model, enabling non-law enforcement providers to respond to non-emergent, non-violent 911 calls related to behavioral health and social welfare concerns.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit the HCPH Community Health and Violence Prevention Services web page: www.hcphtx.org/chvps