Month: July 2021

Health

Philadelphia’s counselors stretched thin as gun violence surges across the city

July 16, 2021

In addition to taking the lives of more than 3,700 Philadelphians since it first hit the city in March of 2020, COVID-19 exposed a host of other societal ills and sent the economy into a deep depression that’s affected everyone in some way, shape or form over the past year and three months.

At the very beginning of lockdown, crime rates dropped dramatically, but Philadelphia then saw a similar dramatic rise in gun violence that’s continued to this day.

As of July 12, 2021 the city has recorded 295 homicides, the majority of which are gun related. It is also a 35% increase from the same date a year prior.

In the process, the frequency of this devastating loss of life is scarring a generation of young people and pushing public mental health resources to its limits. | From AL DÍA (Read more.)

Community and Family

Michelle Obama’s ‘Pass the Love’ campaign coming to Philly

July 14, 2021

The former first lady — in collaboration with the Partnership for a Healthier America and Higher Ground, Michelle and Barack Obama’s production company — seeks to raise funds to distribute 1 million healthy meals to families in need across the U.S.

The effort is part of the Pass the Love w/ Waffles + Mochi campaign, and its next stop is Philly, Obama announced via Twitter on Tuesday. | From WHYY (Read more.)