Common Ground Health Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis in Rochester

In a sweeping new report, Common Ground Health has declared gun violence a public health crisis in Rochester, citing the far-reaching impact of shootings on the mental health, economic stability and housing security of residents.

The report, titled “Spotlight: The Community Impact of Gun Violence in Rochester, NY,” frames firearm violence not solely as a criminal justice issue, but as a deep-rooted societal problem exacerbated by poverty, trauma, and systemic disinvestment. The move aligns with a June 2024 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General recognizing gun violence as a national public health emergency.

“Peace is a privilege denied to many in our community,” the report states. “But it doesn’t have to be this way.”

The data-backed spotlight reveals that Rochester has seen more than 100 reported shootings annually since 2000, peaking at 419 in 2021. Though incidents have declined since, with 205 reported as of 2024, the numbers remain well above pre-pandemic levels. The majority of victims are Black, non-Latino males, and the average age of victims has risen in recent years, highlighting gaps in victim services that primarily focus on youth.

Beyond the physical toll, advocates interviewed by Common Ground Health said the trauma reverberates through families and neighborhoods. Toni Nelson, program manager for the 585 SNUG street outreach program, described the emotional aftermath of losing her son and husband to gun violence as a “lifelong battle” with anger and fear.

“It's never just one person murdered,” Nelson said. “It’s their whole family, their friends, their neighborhood.”

Economic ripple effects are also severe. Victims often lose jobs due to injury or stigma. Some families are forced into debt to cover funeral costs or relocate for safety. Meanwhile, businesses flee high-violence areas, perpetuating cycles of poverty and neglect.

“Each additional homicide in a neighborhood correlates with 80 fewer jobs,” the report notes, citing a 2017 Urban Institute study.

Common Ground Health also highlights the impact on housing, where shootings can make victims feel unsafe in their homes. With limited access to affordable, quality housing, many families face revictimization or prolonged trauma.

Community leaders are calling for urgent systemic change.

“We’ve got to come up with better laws for our young people,” said Wanda Ridgeway, executive director of Rise Up Rochester. “We forgot how to be that community.”

The report emphasizes that a public health approach—focused on prevention, mental health support, and trauma-informed care—could reduce harm and break cycles of violence. But that requires resources and leadership.

“Everyone cares about gun violence, but none of our major institutions are responsible for addressing it,” said Dr. Irshad Altheimer, director of the Center for Public Safety Initiatives at RIT. “At some point, there has to be commitment.”

With its declaration, Common Ground Health joins a growing chorus of organizations nationwide calling for a shift in how gun violence is understood and addressed—one rooted not in punishment alone, but in healing, equity and community resilience.