Healing Streets

The Healing Streets Program (HSP) was created in 2019 to address the cycles of gun and group violence impacting youth and their families in Ramsey County. Currently administered by Ramsey County Public Health, HSP follows a three-pronged programmatic approach to achieve its mission of healing youth, their caregivers, and community members: prevention activities, Intervention efforts, and healing practices. In 2023, Ramsey County contracted with Research in Action (RIA) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Healing Streets programs.

Partners

Ramsey County Public Health Department

The Ramsey County Public Health Department is charged with health programming, intervention, support and similar activities to protect community health and well-being in Ramsey County, Minnesota. In 2023, they partnered with Research in Action (RIA) to conduct the first comprehensive evaluation of HSP’s programming offerings and services.

Problem

Gun violence among youth is shaped by socio-economic factors and disproportionately affects Black youth. Additionally, when considering exposure to gun and group violence,  there is an increased likelihood that these youth will experience negative mental health outcomes and begin using firearms themselves.

Process

We interviewed youth clients, caregivers/family members of youth impacted by gun and group violence, Healing Streets staff (both current and previously hired), and Ramsey County stakeholders. The following questions guided our assessment of HSP’s work:

  • What are the experiences of group and gun violence-impacted youth and families/caregivers who participate in HSP’s programs and services?

  • How does HSP promote healing for youth and families impacted by group and gun violence?

  • What actionable steps can Ramsey County take to improve HSP programs and services for violence-impacted youth and families, particularly youth of color and those residing in under-resourced communities?

Solutions

Stay tuned for updates as this work moves forward!