UNITY: Lessons learned from a national public health initiative to prevent violence

A growing evidence base confirms that violence is preventable. Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth (UNITY) is a national initiative that builds support for effective, scalable, sustainable efforts to prevent violence before it occurs. Funded by CDC, UNITY works with cities and public health departments around the country to plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive prevention plans. To support effective implementation and sustainability, UNITY developed the UNITY RoadMap, which delineates the 9 essential elements that need to be in place to prevent violence. This session will discuss the UNITY initiative and tools, highlight lessons learned and discuss the roles and contributions of health departments and multiple other sectors in preventing violence affecting youth.