06/11/2026
Last week, End Community Violence Now (ECVN) spoke with Spotlight Delaware on the continued work with Operation West Laurel and strategic partners across Delaware to ensure that residents most impacted by gun violence receive the resources and support they need. That starts with fully and equitably funding the state Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety. This year alone, Delawareans have witnessed rising costs of living, limited access to mental health services, strained social service systems, and continued incidents of violence across the state. ECVN is calling on elected leaders across Delaware to not only directly address violence, but also the conditions that contribute to and exacerbate it.
According to ECVN Executive Director Lauren Footman, “We cannot expect one Director to solve a $1.3 billion public health and public safety challenge for Delaware alone. The Office must be paired with adequate investments in Group Violence Intervention (GVI), Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs, community-based organizations, data infrastructure, and regional implementation efforts. Otherwise, we risk creating expectations without providing the resources needed to deliver results.”
Groups working to combat gun violence in Laurel gathered recently to unveil new beautification projects they hope will further their efforts.
