Policy, Collaboration and Partnership Highlighted as Key Pillars of Together We Will Initiative at Third Public Health and Public Safety Series Session
On April 26, the Downtown Denver Partnership hosted the third Public Health and Public Safety series session, this installment highlighting the community-minded, compassionate response strategies that are contributing to a safer downtown for all.
Attendees heard from panelists representing local, state and federal agencies who highlighted the close collaboration that takes place at all levels to address public health and safety in downtown and the broader city. U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado Cole Finegan, Denver Health CEO DrPH Donna Lynne, Denver City Attorney Kerry Tipper, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, and Denver District Attorney Beth McCann provided insights on the coordinated efforts that are providing policy-driven and individualized solutions across the continuum of care.
From providing highly-personalized care to each individual, regardless of whether they have committed a crime, to enforcing policies that ensure guns stay out of the hands of felons, partners continue to establish policies and collaborative processes that contribute to long-term solutions for our city and our people. Click here to watch the full panel discussion.
The session took place as part of Together We Will, a coordinated strategy being implemented by a public-private coalition of Downtown Action Partners joining enforcement with social service provision to address public health and safety in downtown Denver.
Since Together We Will launched in November 2022, compassionate response efforts have resulted in:
- 1,453 proactive contacts for outreach and education
- Referral of 262 individuals to treatment, welfare checks and resource connections
- Facilitation of 106 direct connections to support
In addition, Downtown Action Partners have:
- Issued 46 public health violation notices
- Made 305 arrests/summons
- Covered graffiti with nearly 37,634 square-feet of paint
- Pressure washed 5,219 square feet of sidewalks
The Action Partners continue to collaborate on the implementation of this infusion of resources to address both immediate health and safety concerns in the center city, while simultaneously targeting root problems and long-term solutions to ensure downtown Denver is a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for everyone. Alongside the Action Partners, a broad-based coalition of Advocacy Partners representing residents, businesses and non-profits have come together to support these efforts and have committed to additional action. Click here to join this coalition in pledging your support.
More information on the comprehensive downtown public health and safety efforts through Together We Will can be found at DowntownDenver.com/safety.