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Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

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Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2024-4 to establish the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force is housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

The Task Force is charged with:

  • Identifying the root causes of gun violence.
  • Compiling and reporting relevant data.
  • Maximizing existing resources.
  • Soliciting perspectives from diverse community partners and advocates.
  • Recommending policy to save lives.

The group is comprised of members reflecting a wide range of community partners and advocates including state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, tribal representatives and more.

 

Task Force Subcommittees

Given that the topic of firearm injury prevention and gun violence is complex, various subcommittees will help support and implement the goals of the Task Force. These include the following subcommittees on:

  • Implementation of existing legislation on Extreme Risk Protection Orders and the domestic violence firearm possession ban.
    Chair: Sheriff Rick Fuller
  • Implementation of existing legislation on safe storage and background checks. 
    Co-Chairs: Prosecutor Kym Worthy & Jennifer DeLaCruz
  • New programs / policies / legislation for addressing firearm-related suicide. 
    Chair: Marianne Huff
  • New programs / policies / legislation for addressing community violence. 
    Co-Chairs: Alia Harvey-Quinn, Michael McKissic & Jennifer DeLaCruz
  • New programs / policies / legislation for addressing school safety. 
    Co-Chairs: Aimee Alaniz & Nancy Becker Bennett
  • New programs / policies / legislation for addressing firearm-related intimate partner violence. 
    Chair: April Zeoli

The Task Force also formed a Clinical Coalition to bring together clinical partners with an interest in supporting health care’s role in firearm injury prevention, in partnership with community partners, with particular emphasis on addressing health care's role in new Michigan firearm safety legislation, including safe and secure storage and Extreme Risk Protection Orders. The Coalition also shares best practices, resources, training and technical assistance regarding firearm injury prevention between health systems.

There are more than 100 subcommittee members with representation from:
  • Governmental offices.
  • State and local health departments.
  • Advocacy organizations.
  • Community-based service providers.
  • People with lived experiences.
  • Lawyers & legal professionals.
  • Law enforcement.
  • Medical professionals, incl. mental health providers.
  • Students.
  • Gun rights groups.
  • Firearm owner coalitions.
  • Firearm safety instructors.
  • Superintendents & school personnel.
  • Faith-based communities & organizations.
  • Organizations working w/ Native American,
    African American, and LGBTQ+ populations.

Subcommittee members give critical insights to inform the work of the Task Force, providing key information regarding resources and needs in their communities and organizations, and recommendations and implementation strategies for new policies, programs and legislation to reduce firearm injury and deaths.