BALTIMORE, MD (September 29, 2015)– Today, the Baltimore City Health Department was joined by youth leaders from across the city to announce "Words Not Weapons,” a resource card campaign focused on communication as the key to violence prevention. This campaign will ask medical professionals, neighborhood leaders, and young people to pledge their commitment to spreading a message of non-violent conflict resolution.

“As an ER doctor, I have seen my patients suffer the consequences of violence,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “Much like violence spreads like an epidemic, so can nonviolence. We are committing today to use Words Not Weapons, to spread a message of nonviolence across Baltimore.”

The Baltimore City Health Department is dedicated to combating the epidemic of violence among our city’s young people through innovative public health programming and policy partnerships. These include Operation Safe Kids, Safe Streets, and Dating Matters. In addition, BCHD work closely with community stakeholders, state and local agencies, and public health experts on citywide anti-violence initiatives.

“I am so proud that our city’s youth, adults, and medical professionals have come together to say that enough is enough,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “By committing to using words, not weapons, we can build a healthier, safer, and stronger Baltimore in partnership.”

To learn more about the "Words Not Weapons" campaign, please visit http://health.baltimorecity.gov/wordsnotweapons