CHNA - Flipbook - Page 23
A Safe and Connected Community
Key themes were identified to issues raised by community members that were about safety, security, harm and
preparedness. The themes identified were:
• Violence: different forms of violence was mentioned in responses like gun violence, domestic violence, and
racial violence, e.g., “Safety from gun violence. We have not yet been affected, but it is beginning to seem
inevitable.”
• Discrimination: This was one of the top ranked issues in response to priority needs related to safety. Racism
and hate crimes were frequently mentioned, e.g., “I, as an Asian, have been discouraged to go for a walk due to
Asians being attacked.”
• Crime: Many responses stated the need to lower the rates of crime and theft, e.g., “Mental health-Stress of
increasing criminal activity in my city, which now no longer feels as safe as it used to”.
• Home and community environment: Frequent responses were regarding safe spaces for work and play,
pedestrian safety, and environmentally safe neighborhoods. E.g., “It is really not safe to walk the streets and
parks in Lynnwood.”
Key identified needs for safety were: 1) Safe environment at home, work, playgrounds, parks; and 2) Road safety
infrastructure for pedestrians and drivers; 3) Clean and green spaces; 4) Reduction in crime and violence,
especially towards people of color and people who are unhoused; 5) Education, services, and resources on safety
and preparedness available for community members.
Connected to this theme of safety, was the need for people to feel safe in their community through meaningful
relationships. Residents expressed a profound sense of isolation and disconnection as the result of the COVID-19
pandemic. Residents want opportunities to build meaningful relationship with neighbors but are often unsure of how
to build those relationships. The need for community-led initiatives that focus on building connections was an
expressed need across people of different ages.
Verdant Health Commission 2022
Page 23
