Peace and safety are essential for individuals and communities to thrive. We will do everything possible to encourage all persons to contribute to the peace and safety of the community and expect that each person is responsible for behaving non-violently. We must respect, honor, and build on the unique approaches, perspectives, and strengths of each community within the county. At the same time, we will strive to develop common visions and pathways in order to achieve peace and safety in the broader community. We must have clear goals, and continually measure our progress toward these goals.
Adequate resources are critical to insure long-term effective outcomes.
The Multnomah County Violence Prevention Program brings a public health approach to the problem of violence. Starting with careful inquiry to develop a clear understanding of the problem, we help communities create and implement focused prevention and intervention activities. We also assist communities in evaluating programs for their effectiveness. In adopting the public health approach and promoting its broader application, the Health Department seeks to provide the community with effective tools, resources and skills to deal with this critical health problem. This approach to violence has been implemented in many communities across the country, and is endorsed by experts in the field.