During a recent virtual meeting of the Gun Violence Task Force in Prince George's County, officials discussed critical strategies to enhance mental health support for gun violence survivors and improve crisis response services. The meeting, held on March 19, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for expanded mental health resources, particularly for those affected by gun violence.

One of the key recommendations was to increase access to mental health services, which currently include group counseling and one-on-one sessions. While the cost of these services is relatively low at $30 per session, concerns were raised about affordability for residents with varying income levels. Task Force members expressed a desire for more accessible, potentially free mental health services to better support the community.

Additionally, the meeting underscored the importance of fully staffing the county's 24/7 crisis response teams, which are essential for providing immediate assistance to gun violence victims. Currently, there are challenges in staffing these teams adequately, with discussions around the need for more victim service coordinators to ensure timely and effective support.

The Task Force also explored the possibility of collaborating with nonprofit organizations to enhance service delivery. Members noted that while the police department plays a crucial role in victim outreach, diversifying the support network could improve overall effectiveness. Understanding the resources allocated to these nonprofits was identified as a necessary step to ensure that they are adequately funded to assist victims.

As the meeting concluded, participants acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by gun violence in the community, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and action. The Task Force plans to reconvene on April 16 to further discuss policy changes aimed at reducing gun violence and improving community safety.

This meeting reflects a commitment to addressing the complex issues surrounding gun violence in Prince George's County, with a focus on providing essential support to those impacted and preventing future incidents.