Officials kick of youth violence prevention week

CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn and public health officials are kicking off a youth anti-violence awareness week focused on prevention measures.

The Chicago Democrat and Illinois Department of Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck joined doctors at a Chicago children's hospital Monday to call attention to the start of National Youth Violence Prevention Week.

Hasbrouck says the first step is to increase awareness. He says his agency's website has resources for schools and youth, such as anti-cyber bullying methods.

Health officials did not outline any new measures, strategies or additional funding for violence prevention. Instead, they said health departments need to coordinate better.

Quinn has recently focused more attention on anti-violence efforts. He spent the last two Sundays at Chicago houses of worship pushing for an assault weapons ban.

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Online:

http://www.idph.state.il.us/YouthViolencePrevention/index.htm