During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on the alarming rise in shootings and homicides in Rochester, New York, as local youth presented their findings on crime mapping. The meeting featured students from the Digital Health Navigators program, who shared insights from their research conducted in collaboration with the University of Rochester and local community leaders.

Chairman of the Rock Against Gun Violence Coalition, who facilitated the meeting, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the youth and highlighted the importance of their work in addressing gun violence. The students, representing various local high schools, detailed their analysis of crime data sourced from the Rochester Police Department, focusing on incidents occurring in 2023.

One student, Duane Hall, emphasized the impact of crime on the community, particularly in relation to public spaces like libraries and recreation centers. He noted that the high crime rates in certain areas, such as near the Lincoln Branch Library, hinder the ability of young people to safely access these resources. The students presented maps illustrating the locations of shooting and homicide victims, using icons to represent the severity of the situation.

Another student, Zayana, elaborated on the emotional toll that the pervasive violence has on their daily lives, describing feelings of anxiety and fear when navigating their neighborhoods. The presentation aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by youth in Rochester and the urgent need for community action to combat gun violence.

The meeting was streamed live on the city council's YouTube page, allowing broader community engagement and underscoring the importance of youth voices in the ongoing dialogue about public safety and violence prevention.