JACKSON, Mich. — In seeking a solution to violence trauma impacting the city of Jackson, local musicians, community activists, and health care professionals seek to raise awareness of gun violence and reach youth and families through an annual community festival to reinforce healing and solutions to the trauma that violence produces and bring professional support services to communities disconnected from counselling and therapy post incidents of gun violence in the community. There will be musical performances, guest speakers, vendors and support services. Resource booths will be available from Trauma nurses, Restorative Justice Practitioners, mentors, the Department of Health and Human Services, NAACP, the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Community Action Agency, and other community service providers that offer alternative programs for youth. Keynote speaker will be Oschino Vasquez, actor and member of the Philadelphia based rap group State Property and a gun violence trauma survivor. This years’ festival will be held August 17th 3pm-8pm at the CP Federal Square.
BACKGROUND:
There has been an increase of gun related violence in Jackson over the last decade, leading to increased trauma patients coming into the emergency room of Henry Ford Allegiance Health. Often times the victims of gun violence are youth between the ages of 16-24. PTSD among this population has caused untreated mental health disorders and has left families without the services, counselling and support needed to address complex trauma and the effects of adverse childhood experiences.
WHAT: The Art of Peace Festival
WHEN: August 17, 2019, 3PM-8PM
WHERE: CP Federal Square
212 W. Michigan Ave
Jackson, MI 49201
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