FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2023
LOS ANGELES – The California Wellness Foundation applauds the progress made earlier this month at both the state and federal levels to address the urgent public health crisis of gun violence.
At the federal level, we celebrate the Biden Administration’s establishment of the Justice Department’s National Office of Gun Violence Prevention. In California, Governor Newsom has signed critical bills into law, including increased funding for violence prevention programs. This landmark legislation will undoubtedly save lives.
“Recent actions represent the culmination of years of tireless advocacy and hard work by gun safety champions,” California Wellness Foundation President and CEO Richard Tate said. “We celebrate these victories while recognizing that there is much more work to do. Cal Wellness urges lawmakers to remain steadfastly committed to supporting community-driven solutions, research, and smart policies that address gun violence as the public health epidemic it is.”
Since 1992, Cal Wellness has invested in research and innovative organizations addressing gun violence prevention. Our $30 million Violence Prevention Initiative was the first grantmaking program approved by our board, shortly after the foundation was established. Our approach is centered on partnering with the communities most affected by gun violence to drive solutions and support evidence-based policies that are proven to save lives. We continue to support organizations that educate policymakers to support public health approaches to gun violence prevention.