Authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to bring together leaders in public health to discuss the mental health component of the crime epidemic in the City of Philadelphia and possible solutions for reducing crime.

WHEREAS, There is a current epidemic of crime in The City and Philadelphia has been called a “City in Crisis”; and

WHEREAS, There is no single solution that will stop violence so we must consider every possible solution and apply an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to this problem in an effort to stem the rising tide of violence; and

WHEREAS, Growing up in a culture of violence can lead to an array of mental health conditions including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and

WHEREAS, Leading researchers in the field of public health state that many instances of violence are attributable to either mental or physical health conditions; and

WHEREAS, There are currently insufficient City resources to help those who require mental health services; and

WHEREAS, Many of the leading academics in the field of violence and mental health are located in Philadelphia and would be a valuable resource when considering ways to combat this problem; and

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, THAT the Committee on Public Health and Human Services is hereby authorized to hold public hearings, bring together leaders in public health to discuss the mental health component of the crime epidemic in the City of Philadelphia and possible solutions for reducing crime.

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