Youth violence is a significant public health problem affecting thousands each day and impacting families, schools and communities. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, youth violence—which is defined as fighting, bullying, threatening someone with weapons, or gang-related violence—is the third leading cause of death for adolescents 15-24 years of age in the U.S. Socially disadvantaged and urban areas are hit the hardest.
Dr. LeChrista Finn, assistant professor and state Extension specialist for public health, has spent the last two years working to educate leaders and communities about systemic and cultural barriers in dealing with domestic violence, bullying and gun violence. Although violence is preventable, efforts require a multi-faceted, collaborative approach over a significant period of time.
Finn works with educators, administrators and students in partnership with the Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education to engage minority students in conversations about community violence. This meaningful conversation has continued and expanded to concern community members in central Kentucky, government agencies, faith- and community-based organizations, school representatives and youth. At community events, such as the annual Roots and Heritage Festival in Lexington, Ky., Finn convenes citizens to identify concerns, strengths and opportunities and to work toward solutions or strategies for bringing populations together to improve gun violence, domestic violence and bullying.
citizens to identify concerns, strengths and opportunities and to work toward solutions or strategies for bringing populations together to improve gun violence, domestic violence and bullying.
Collaborations with organizations, such as UeducateU and Lexington Parks and Recreation, to address social determinants and improve the overall health of individuals, families and communities have also helped provide Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities to minority youth in grades K-12 in central Kentucky. Other programs, such as Whistle Work, which empowers youth in leadership, and Motivated All Day Every Day (M.A.D.E.), a gang violence prevention initiative for students in Fayette County Public Schools, help equip students with the tools they need to be successful academically and socially.
On Kentucky State University's campus, Finn partnered with the Betty White Health Center on a social media campaign to address domestic violence and help increase awareness on campus. Finn's work in the community serves as a bridge for partnerships that focus on leadership development, creating positive community interactions, and fostering awareness for building a culture of nonviolence. Her collaborations continue to seek creative ways to address community violence.
Dr. LeChrista Finn, assistant professor and state Extension specialist for public health
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