On Monday, July 14, 2025, community leaders and advocates gathered at the Champaign Public Library for a meeting of the Champaign County Violence Prevention Workgroup. Sponsored by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, the meeting focused on collaborative efforts to address and reduce violence throughout the county.
The workgroup centered its discussion around three priority areas:
- Sexual violence prevention among youth in schools
- Development of a five-year community mediation plan
- Improved data collection and sharing across agencies
Facilitated by JR Lill, the meeting included participation from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, RACES (Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services), and City of Champaign Justice Victim Advocates Angela Worthey and Andre Davis. Together, attendees shared insights and explored ways to strengthen coordinated efforts that support safety and well-being in our community.
These collaborative sessions are a vital part of creating long-term, sustainable solutions to violence. The City of Champaign and its partners remain committed to supporting preventative strategies that uplift and protect all residents.