Lexington Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Emergency, Proposes New Funding for Prevention Coordinator

Lexington is facing a growing crisis as local officials deem gun violence a public health emergency following a year-long investigation by a task force made up of council members, community representatives, police, and fire officials. This declaration was made during a meeting of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council’s Social Services and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday.

The task force proposed a series of recommendations to combat the escalating violence. A primary suggestion was hiring a full-time gun violence prevention coordinator tasked with orchestrating safety campaigns and pursuing federal and state funding. Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds, who led the task force, indicated her plan to request $75,000 for this position from surplus funds, with a subsequent budget proposal for next year to maintain this role.

Reynolds emphasized that categorizing gun violence as a public health crisis would allow the city to allocate resources similarly dedicated to other issues such as the opioid epidemic and domestic violence. “We need to tackle this problem with the same vigor,” she stated.

During the meeting, around a dozen mothers who lost their children to gun violence were present, highlighting the personal impact of this issue on the community. Tonya Lindsey, part of the nonprofit Sisters and Supporters Working Against Gun Violence, reinforced the task force’s urgency. She shared her own painful experience of losing her son to gun violence, calling for swift action from the council.

Councilwoman Tayna Fogle also addressed the committee, recounting her son’s survival after being shot six times. She expressed heartfelt thanks to the mothers attending the meeting, stating, “It’s important the council sees how guns have altered Lexington’s families.” Fogle urged her colleagues to unequivocally acknowledge the violence as a crisis.

The committee unanimously approved the recommendations, which will be forwarded to the full council. Although a timeline for a vote on the proposals remains unclear, Reynolds noted that some recommendations will require further coordination across multiple city departments.

This concerted effort comes amid increasing concerns over gun violence in Fayette County, prompting local leaders to seek actionable solutions. The implications of these recommendations could significantly influence how the city addresses gun violence moving forward.