​​​Maryland is one of twelve states to create a state office of gun violence prevention. Maryland’s Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention (the Center) was established within the Department of Health in October 2024 through legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly. The Preliminary State Plan for a Public Health Approach to Reducing Firearm Violence summarizes the background of the Center, the public health approach to gun violence, statewide data and statistics, and initial goals and objectives.

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The Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention frames its work through Prevention & Assessment, Intervention & Response, and Community Resilience & Healing. Within the three areas, the Center developed five preliminary goals to guide the creation of a long-term strategic plan. The preliminary goals and objectives of the Preliminary Plan are intended to serve as a road map to develop a long-term strategic plan over the next two years through collaboration with community members and organizations, representatives from state agencies, public health researchers, gun safety experts and other key implementers of firearm laws across the state. 

For a quick overview summary of the state plan, check out the executive summary​.​

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​Goals