Gun violence at East High School: Change is necessary – and possible
The Colorado Children’s Campaign shares in the grief of the students and families connected to East High School, and of all Coloradans who are ready to see an end to gun violence in our schools and communities.
It is clear – and has been clear for years – that our collective efforts to address the national epidemic of gun violence and prevent tragedies like what happened at East this week have not been enough. Our young people need and deserve more.
We believe that change is necessary – and possible. The Colorado Children’s Campaign has supported and will continue to support state and federal legislation and policies that reduce access to lethal firearms, which are a significant threat to public health and to the well-being of children. We also support improved research and data collection related to gun violence and prevention. The Children’s Campaign is listening to and working collaboratively with our young people and educators to build school environments that are truly safe.
We are grateful for and inspired by the leadership of young people who are speaking out about the need for solutions to gun violence. And we are committed to creating a world where they no longer have to.
Take action:
- Contact your state legislator and tell them that you support policies that keep Coloradans safe from firearms, including SB23-169 and SB23-170.
- Get involved in or learn more about the Children’s Campaign’s current work to support youth leadership in school climate and school safety policy by contacting info@coloradokids.org.
Resources for crisis support:
- Colorado Crisis and Support Line: 844-493-8255, or Text TALK to 38255
- Safe2Tell Colorado: 877-542-7233
Resources for students, schools, parents, and communities
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: School shooting resources
- SAMHSA: Coping with traumatic events
- American Psychological Association: Coping with shootings
- University of Michigan: Resources for Communities After a School Shooting | Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention (umich.edu)
- Second Wind Fund: Second Wind Fund – Youth Suicide Prevention (thesecondwindfund.org)
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) School Safety Resource Center: Mass Shooting/Community Violence Resources from CDPHE | School Safety Resource Center (colorado.gov)
- CDPHE Office of Gun Violence Prevention: Office of Gun Violence Prevention | Department of Public Health & Environment (colorado.gov)
