County Executive David Crowley Recognizes June as National Gun Violence Awareness Month
MILWAUKEE – June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is highlighting his administration’s efforts to combat gun violence, foster healthier neighborhoods, and save lives.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that affects too many families, too many neighborhoods, and too many lives. That’s why my administration is committed to strengthening community-based violence prevention programs, expanding access to mental and behavioral health services, and investing in youth engagement efforts that create positive opportunities for young people,” said County Executive Crowley. “By working together with local leaders, community organizations, public health professionals, and law enforcement, we are building a stronger, more coordinated approach to violence prevention and crisis response—one rooted in hope, healing, and safety. We also recommit ourselves to the work ahead: building a safer, healthier, and more united Milwaukee County—where every person has the opportunity to live free from gun violence.”
County Executive Crowley released a video message in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month that can be viewed HERE.
Working closely with the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), County Executive Crowley and his administration have created an approach to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) using evidence-informed strategies to reduce violence through tailored initiatives.
During his first term in office, County Executive Crowley launched the Credible Messenger Program that promotes public safety by intervening in gun violence and supports positive outcomes for youth, with an emphasis on those in the youth justice system. Since its inception, the program has worked with youth at all points of system involvement by coordinating with partners—community-based organizations, public health entities, academic institutions and government agencies—and is staffed by individuals with lived experience and previous justice involvement who support youth through transformative mentoring. The Credible Messenger Program has made significant strides in improving public safety and supporting Milwaukee County youth involved in the justice system or referred by community partners. In its first year, youth involved in the program reported a 77% success rate for recidivism and pro-social behavior. The collaborative effort includes Milwaukee Community Crossroads, Youth Advocate Program, GLOW414, Running Rebels, Westcare Wisconsin, and 414Life.
At the end of 2024, Crowley and DHHS also launched Advance Peace, the nationally renowned gun violence prevention program. Advance Peace interrupts gun violence in neighborhoods by providing transformational opportunities to young people by placing them in a high-touch, personalized 18-month minimum fellowship—the Peacemaker Fellowship. In 2025, the first full year of Advance Peace, 35 fellows were served, receiving 2,818 hours of life coaching.
Learn more about Milwaukee County’s CVI efforts HERE.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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