All this week, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages parents, schools, communities, law enforcement and government leaders to recognize National Youth Violence Prevention Week by identifying ways to curb youth violence across Illinois. Youth violence is the second leading cause of death for youth 10 to 24 years of age, both nationally and in Illinois. Homicide among people aged 15 to 24 years accounts for more deaths than from cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, birth defects, influenza and pneumonia combined.

Violence increases health care costs, decreases property values, disrupts social services, and threatens the success of businesses. When youth violence occurs, quality of life diminishes, and communities cannot thrive. Youth violence prevention action is critical to the short- and long-term health, safety and viability of a community.

Last August, Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation creating a six member Youth Violence Prevention Task Force to stem the epidemic of violence impacting today’s youth. Sponsored by State Representative LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago) and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), the task force has been meeting and developing a youth violence prevention strategy that will involve increasing awareness of job opportunities for at-risk youth, assisting religious and community groups and organizations whose mission is to curb violence, and coordinating with mental health providers to assure they are present in communities that need them.

To check out resources or gain more knowledge about prevention measures, visit www.idph.state.il.us/YouthViolencePrevention/index.htm.