Kansas City’s Aim4Peace Program Reports Major Drop in Violence

AimForPeace Health Department Logo, Historic Drop in Violence in KC, Making Peace a Lifestyle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Aim4Peace, the Kansas City Health Department's long-standing community-based violence prevention program, has announced remarkable progress in reducing fatal and non-fatal violent incidents in its targeted service areas. After 18 years of continuous work, the program's 2025 outcomes demonstrate its proven effectiveness in creating safer neighborhoods and fostering a culture of peace.

Program-Wide

Impact Compared with the 2024 baseline, Aim4Peace achieved a 47% reduction in homicides across its long-term service areas. Overall, there were 59 fewer violent incidents, representing more than a 12% decrease in violence citywide. These results underscore the program's ability to deliver measurable, sustained improvements in community safety.

"I'm incredibly proud of the Aim4Peace team's dedication and the collaborative spirit that drives our progress," said Kansas City Health Department Director Dr. Marvia Jones. "A 47% drop in homicides within our long-term service areas is not only a testament to our strategic initiatives but also illustrates the power of partnership-with community, schools, hospitals, and local leaders-to create lasting change."

Neighborhood-Level Success

Targeted neighborhoods experienced dramatic reductions in homicides:

• Oak Park - 42% decrease
• Santa Fe - 75% decrease
• Blue Hills - 33% decrease

"These results are a testament to the power of applying evidence-based violence prevention strategies," said Rashid Junaid, Division Manager, Behavioral Health and Injury Program. "For 18 years, our Aim4Peace team has worked hand-in-hand with residents, hospitals, and schools to create safer neighborhoods. A 47% reduction in homicides isn't just a statistic-it represents lives saved and futures restored." These outcomes reflect the program's focused approach to addressing violence where it is most prevalent.

How Peace Is Practiced
Aim4Peace's success is rooted in its comprehensive strategies, including:

• Community Engagement: More than 500 hours of canvassing and 496 consecutive days without a homicide in targeted areas, supported by ongoing case management and conflict mediation.
• Hospital Response Team: Over 450 hospital responses in 2025, with an 80% referral response rate within 24-48
  hours.
• Youth Violence Prevention (Y-CHAT): Active in four KCPS schools, serving over 124 youth, and maintaining a presence
  at Job Corps and DeLaSalle.

About Aim4Peace

Aim4Peace is a frontline community violence intervention (CVI) program that directly interrupts violence before it escalates. Through street outreach, conflict mediation, and trusted community partnerships, Aim4Peace addresses violence as a public health issue. Grounded in the belief that "Peace is a Lifestyle," the program delivers real, measurable impact by stabilizing neighborhoods, supporting individuals at highest risk, and saving lives.

About the Kansas City Health Department

The Kansas City Health Department works to protect and improve the health of all Kansas City residents through community outreach, prevention, education, and partnerships. Learn more at kcmo.gov/health.

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Media with questions may contact April Leonard, Public Information Officer for the Kansas City Health Department, at [email protected].