The Asbury Park-Neptune NAACP is long standing civil rights organization serving the areas of Asbury Park, Neptune and the immediate vicinities. We are asking the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders to prepare and pass a resolution declaring the youth violence in Monmouth County, particularly that of Asbury Park and Neptune as a public health emergency. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in February passed a resolution declaring youth violence a public health emergency. The Center for Disease Control has recognized youth violence has a public health problem in the United States. To officially recognize youth violence as a public health crisis would help facilitate support for youth violence prevention programs and policies. The Center for Disease Control has developed comprehensive guides, strategies and resources to assist communities. Help us end this unfortunate rise of violence in our communities and pass a resolution declaring youth violence in Monmouth County as a public health emergency. Help us stop the violence in our communities. We need to work together to build safer, brighter and secure communities for all residents of Monmouth County.