Standing up to violence in the Bronx, Panel Discussion, May 14

STANDING UP TO VIOLENCE IN THE BRONX THIS SUMMER

The Monroe College School of Criminal Justice and Jacobi Medical Center’s Stand up to Violence (SUV) program are joining forces to produce a panel discussion designed to cool the heat in the Bronx during the summer months.  On Thursday, May 14 at 6:30pm in the college’s Mintz Auditorium at 2501 Jerome Avenue, expert panelists will provide in-depth discussion and information about standing up to violence in the Bronx.  The general public is invited.

“Statistics show that when the temperature outside heats up, unfortunately often so do crime numbers,” said Dean Michele Rodney of the Monroe College School of Criminal Justice.  “What we want to do is educate community leaders, the general public, and our students on the root causes of violence and how to address them.”

“The effects of a single bullet reach far beyond the wounds we treat,” said Dr. Noe Romo, Medical Director of SUV. “Gun violence can be a preventable disease if we educate our people and intervene in situations before they get out of hand.”

Panelists include Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, Chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, Monroe College Professor Darrin Porcher, a retired NYPD Lieutenant with extensive experience in community affairs and housing, Erika Mendelsohn, social worker and SUV Program Director, Dr. Noe Romo, Pediatrician and SUV Medical Director, and Joe Thompson, president of the 49^th Precinct Council.  Assemblyman Michael Blake will deliver the opening keynote.  BronxTalk TV host Gary Axelbank will be the moderator.

For more information:

Gary Axeklbank (Monroe College) – 646-393-8417, gaxelbank@monroecollege.edu

John Doyle (Jacobi Medical Center) – 718-918-4055, john.doyle@nbhn.net

ABOUT ‘STAND UP TO VIOLENCE

SUV (Stand Up to Violence) is Jacobi Medical Center’s Violence Interruption Program Funded by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.  Launched in August 2014 on funding secured by Senator Jeff Klein.  The program enlists “violence interrupters” and outreach workers to mediate conflict between gang members and other at-risk youth before it escalates into violence.