As an emergency physician, I have seen the human cost of gun violence. As a public health official, I have no doubt that gun violence is a public health issue. Science shows us that violence is a contagious disease. Like the flu, it spreads from person to person. Like other contagions, violence can be prevented and stopped.

Violence prevention is a key function of public health. That’s why we so strongly believe in the power of Baltimore’s Safe Streets program. Safe Streets hires outreach professionals to deescalate disputes that would otherwise lead to violence. Last year, Safe Streets workers mediated more than 1,000 conflicts, 80% of which were deemed likely or very likely to result in gun violence. Three out of the program’s four sites have gone at least one year without a fatal shooting, preventing violence before it happens. Our outreach workers also change the cultural norms around violence. And they do all of this without weapons, but with words and the inspiration of their own incredible stories.

Despite the proven efficacy of Safe Streets, we have struggled with finding funding year after year. This year, we are so grateful that Mayor Catherine Pugh has committed to not only sustaining Safe Streets, but to expanding it from four sites to 10. Mayor Pugh understands how Safe Streets saves lives and offers employment opportunities to people who are from the communities they serve. Beginning in July, Safe Streets will move into the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. The Mayor and Director Vetter have our entire Health Department’s thanks and support, and we will continue to work closely with Safe Streets to ensure its adherence to the public health model and to breaking the cycle of poverty, trauma, and violence.

I would like to personally acknowledge the leaders of our Safe Streets program. Thank you to our Assistant Commissioner for Chronic Disease Prevention, Greg Sileo; Program Director, Dedra Layne; Deputy Program Director, Anisha Thomas; Outreach Coordinator, Dante Barksdale; and former Community Liaison Officer, James Timpson. I also thank our site leaders Gardnel Carter, Imohtep Faitu, Rashad Singletary, and Warren Williams; our community-based organizations Living Classrooms, Park Heights Renaissance, Associated Catholic Charities, and Family Health Centers of Baltimore; and all of the dedicated outreach workers who are on the streets saving lives every day. I am proud to know these men and women, and it has been an honor and privilege. 

Leana Wen, M.D., M.Sc.

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