The Run It Up Project
Homicide—most often involving a firearm—is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24 in the U.S., disproportionately affecting African-American and other minority youth, particularly young males. In Washington, D.C., violent crime has surged by 28% since 2021, with homicide rates rising 14% between 2020 and 2021. The most severe impact is felt in socioeconomically challenged communities.
To combat this urgent public health crisis, the Prevention and Community Health Department at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) is collaborating with a coalition of neighborhood organizations in Washington Highlands, alongside several D.C. agencies and organizations. Together, they are working to finalize, implement, and evaluate a community-driven youth firearm prevention initiative, funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD).
The Run It Up Project: Changing Youth Narratives on Firearm Violence is a university-community collaborative intervention dedicated to ending youth gun violence. By working together, we aim to empower young people with the tools and opportunities they need to stay safe and succeed.