Media Contact: Jennifer Ciaccia: (216) 250-5863; jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.us

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - Today, the U.S. Surgeon General declared firearm violence as a national public health crisis.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne affirms this pivotal statement, saying “There has never been a more critical time to address gun violence. Firearms are the second leading cause of death for children in Cuyahoga County and we know that this issue disproportionally affects our most vulnerable communities. Looking at this matter through a public health lens helps us to understand the root causes of the inequities facing these communities that leads to the increased impact of gun violence. To address this, we must utilize all available resources and engage partners at the private-public-nonprofit levels. We must continue to work together to reduce gun violence and create safer neighborhoods in Cuyahoga County.”