Newsmakers: Hennepin County Commish Kevin Anderson Talks Violence Reduction Efforts
Efforts to reduce Hennepin County violent crime
Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson spoke with CCX News about the county’s violence reduction efforts.
“We know that violence reduction effort isn’t in a silo,” said Anderson. “It exists across housing. It exists across mental health services and it touches everybody’s life in some way.”
Commissioners approved up to $10 million for violence prevention efforts over the last two years. In 2021, they approved $5 million in federal funds and have some short-term strategies in place that include violence intervention services for youth and adults, wrap-around services for young adults, patrols and outreach in high-crime areas, increased forensic resources to investigate crime and more.
The additional $5 million approved in March 2022 will extend existing gun violence interruption programs, identify additional partnerships and continue to evaluate existing programming.
Kevin Anderson, Hennepin Co. Commissioner, Dist. 7
“We are just at a point right now where we need to do something and have some coordinated efforts to help do this,” said Anderson.
Another initiative that Anderson supports is increased funding for mental health services in schools.
“I think that’s one of the biggest things we can do right now is support our students and make sure when things are happening in the world, they are supported, and they can process what is happening and their families have access to the support as well,” said Anderson.
Supports for Seniors
Anderson has also been meeting with organizations and group homes, ahead of World Elder Abuse Day on June 8.
“As our community is aging, we need to make sure we have structures in place to take care of them,” said Anderson.
There will also be an event coming up on June 8 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. that focuses on seniors. The “Supports for Seniors” event will be held in the Maple Grove Community Center room 133 and features information about support for seniors and caregivers in regards to independent living. Hennepin County Public Health will present information as well as Age Friendly Maple Grove. Learn more here.
