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Kane County designates June 7 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day; proclamation draws mixed comments
Summary
The Kane County Public Health Committee adopted a proclamation recognizing June 7, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Committee members discussed safe-storage programs and local statistics; one member opposed the proclamation as politicized.
The Kane County Public Health Committee on May 21 voted to designate June 7, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Kane County, adopting a proclamation that highlights local gun-related deaths and the county's safe-storage and prevention efforts.
Committee member Trevor Tarver read the proclamation, which notes that between 2018 and 2022 "Kane County reported a hundred and 41 gun related deaths, including 81 suicides and 410 gunshot wound injuries treated at local emergency departments," and that the county distributes free gun locks and promotes safe firearm storage.
Several committee members supported the proclamation as a public-safety and prevention measure. "This is really about safe gun storage," Tarver said during debate, adding that the county's programs aim "to reduce the risk of suicide and unintentional injury." Committee member Bill Greif asked whether the county could expand recognition to a month-long awareness period; other members said the proclamation day is meant to align with a national observance while local programming continues year-round.
Not all members supported the proclamation. Public commenter David Young said he objected to the measure and described it as politicized; he said he preferred the committee focus on chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Committee discussion included requests for staff to provide a redline of the proclamation language before executive-committee floor action so members could see suggested edits versus the final text.
The proclamation was adopted by the committee. Staff described it as a formal designation and not a change to county law; the proclamation encourages residents and organizations to participate in safe-storage and awareness activities.
Ending
The proclamation was approved and committee members asked staff to provide redline and clean versions of the final text before it moves to the executive committee; the county's safe-storage program and related outreach will continue.
