District 5 Councilwoman Highlights Need to Reduce Violent Crime

Published on January 23, 2024

District 5 Councilwoman Highlights the Need for a Comprehensive Approach to Reduce Violent Crime

SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 23, 2024) — On January 24th, City Council will receive a briefing on the Violence Prevention Strategic Plan. The vision of that plan is to stop violence from happening before it starts. It is part of a collaborative effort for the San Antonio and Bexar County area that could provide a road map of evidence-based strategies to prevent violence.

The Violence Prevention Strategic Plan was developed by the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District in partnership with the San Antonio Police Department, St. John’s Baptist Church, and the University of Texas at San Antonio as a part of its comprehensive public health program. 

“As Chair of the Community Health Committee, a chief priority and focus is recognizing that public safety is most effective when we begin to tackle fundamental issues that may influence criminal behavior,” Councilwoman Teri Castillo said. “As a City, we must continue to take a comprehensive approach to reduce violence from a public health perspective through established programs like Stand Up SA, establishing trauma informed practices for people involved in the justice system, and expanding mental health support for all of San Antonio – especially our youth.”

The Violence Prevention Strategic Plan is linked to Metro Health’s five-year SA Forward Plan, which addresses key priority areas such as violence prevention, access to care, data and technology infrastructure, food insecurity and nutrition, health equity and social justice, and mental health and community resilience.