York community leaders share forum to keep children’s collaboration alive

YORK, Pa. (WHTM) — The discussion focused on “Keeping Kids Alive,” a collaborative effort with many community leaders providing several resources so that no child faces the trauma of gun violence.

The Keeping Kids Alive Community Forum was hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Alumnae Chapter sharing topics from economic development to mental health and how it can affect at-risk youth and families.

“I honestly believe our kids don’t just walk down the street getting shot for no reason, I believe our kids don’t sell drugs for no reason so what I’m gonna do is peel that onion “, Tiff Lowe said.

Leaders say resources to protect children from gun violence include staying active in the community with law enforcement, building strong relationships and prevention.

York Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow said officers had their hands full responding to multiple calls with children and gun violence.

“We get about 150 calls every two to three weeks from parents of children of at-risk youth who are worried they’re getting into gun violence, they’re worried about getting involved in gangs, they’re worried they’re on the streets, running away, getting involved in the drug trade and looking for someone to help them,” Muldrow said.

“Another thing is drug addiction; a lot of our young adults have addictions, they go to marijuana or alcohol to try to numb their feelings because they don’t understand what it’s like to be a kid,” Constable Joseph Palmer said.

Still, officials say protecting children from gun violence is a team effort that will help the goal of seeing more graduations and fewer funerals.

“However, we’re here to keep the kids alive, so looking around this room, we can have a collective of what? 35-40 people here. We can’t do this alone,” Lowe said.

City leaders also say case management, support and team deployment will also help keep children safe.