Community members are encouraged to wear orange on Friday, June 5 to support those impacted by gun violence

Media Contact: Jennifer Ciaccia, (216) 250-5863 jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.gov

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – As summer begins, Cuyahoga County is highlighting violence prevention efforts aimed at promoting safety, opportunity, and the well-being of young people throughout the community. On Friday, June 5, residents are encouraged to wear orange for National Gun Violence Awareness Day, honoring those lost to and impacted by gun violence.

“Every young person deserves a safe summer, and every family deserves support,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Violence prevention is not the work of one agency or community – it takes all of us. By working together, we can create connections, support systems, and opportunities that help young people thrive and reach their full potential.”

Summer is a critical time for violence prevention efforts. By promoting youth programs, community engagement, and resources that support and strengthen families, the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention and its partners are working to reduce violence and help ensure a healthy, safe summer for all residents. The County’s violence prevention efforts focus on raising awareness about the impact of violence on individuals, families, and neighborhoods, while connecting residents to programs, services, and resources that support healthy communities.

“Violence prevention starts long before a crisis. It starts by ensuring families have resources like access to healthy foods, affordable childcare, and stable housing,” said Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention Administrator Myesha Watkins. “We are here to let families of Cuyahoga County know that there are resources available to keep kids connected and engaged.”

Along with wear orange on Friday, June 5, residents are encouraged to attend MetroHealth’s 3^rdAnnual Gun Violence Awareness Day for a chance to stand together and spread awareness about gun violence. The event will feature meaningful conversations and an opportunity to learn, connect, and support a safer community. See details and register here.

Resources for Children, Teens, and Families:

• Office of Violence Prevention – The Office of Violence Prevention takes a public health approach to ending violence by addressing its root causes.
• Youth Workforce – Support for teens and young adults pursuing jobs.
• Family Support Resources – There are community resources to help families in need.
• Food and Housing Assistance – There are resources to connect families to healthy food.
• Child and Youth Services - The Department of Health and Human Services offers various programs and services to help children and youth before they enter school, during school age, and into young adulthood.
• FamilySpace – Provides safe spaces for children to play and learn, as well as resources for parents.

View video of today's press conference.

View photos of today's press conference.