How Strong Data Infrastructure Could Transform Delaware's Firearm Violence Prevention Ecosystem.

Abstract

Firearm violence is a persistent and preventable public health crisis in Delaware, resulting in avoidable loss of life, long-term injury, and community harm. Over the past decade, firearm violence has become prevalent across the state and disproportionately in communities with historic disinvestment and limited access to protective factors. Trends in firearm violence have shifted over time in Delaware, with periods of improvement in some jurisdictions occurring alongside rising violence in others. This context makes clear the need to treat firearm violence as a population-level health issue that requires timely and accessible data, coordinated systems, and intervention and prevention strategies beyond traditional criminal justice responses. This commentary examines Delaware's current capacity to address community violence intervention (CVI) through a public health lens, with a focus on the role of data infrastructure. The commentary argues that Delaware's fragmented data systems jeopardize the state's ability to effectively prevent and respond to firearm violence. By outlining the consequences of these gaps and drawing lessons from surrounding states, this provides best practices for strengthening Delaware's data infrastructure to support reductions in firearm violence statewide.