Congratulations to Contra Costa Health (CCH) and the City of Antioch for their California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant (CalVIP), Cohort 5, awards. Contra Costa was one of just three large counties selected, joining Alameda and Los Angeles.
CCH was awarded $5 million to reduce gun violence in Antioch, Pittsburg, and Richmond through prevention, intervention, healing, and coordination activities. The comprehensive project will: 1) deploy credible messengers with lived experience on street outreach teams; 2) proactively screen youths in school clinics to address risk factors before violence escalates; 3) train young adults from the target cities to lead peer-to-peer efforts to reduce violence; 4) promote collective efficacy through community building activities; and 5) ensure data-driven, cross jurisdictional coordination with countywide leadership.
Antioch was awarded $2 million to engage 15–20 individuals at the center of gun violence in a Peace Fellowship Program. The structured, 18-month healing and accountability process will include intensive mentorship, life planning, and care coordination from trusted, trained Violence Interrupters.