Strategies and Lessons Learned From Providing Training and Technical Assistance Support to Gun Violence Prevention Grantees

Abstract

Gun violence is a critical public health issue in the United States and is a leading cause of death among youth and young adults. Firearm-related injury and death disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minoritized youth. Critical to addressing gun violence as a public health issue is researching the etiology of gun violence, as well as developing and testing violence prevention strategies. In response to the growing need for gun violence prevention efforts, the Illinois Department of Human Services established the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention in 2021. With that funding included the development of Training and Technical Assistance Services (TTAS) centers to assist organizations in developing, implementing, and evaluating gun violence prevention initiatives. This paper examines the strategies of one TTAS center in Illinois, which collaborated with 20 social service agencies and community-based organizations to provide tailored training and technical assistance and support. This TTAS center conducted needs assessments, offered training and technical assistance, and engaged in collaborations with other TTAS centers providing similar support. In this article, we highlight strategies (e.g., delivering an array of trainings, developing and utilizing needs assessments, consultation sessions) as well as barriers (e.g., difficulties engaging organizations and ensuring attendance at trainings). This article concludes with recommendations for future TTAS initiatives, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure, clearer communication, and more robust support from state agencies. This study underscores the importance of TTAS centers in supporting gun violence prevention initiatives, particularly in the context of increased demands on social services following the COVID-19 pandemic.