Background
Introduction
Approach to Developing the Strategic Action Plan
Identification of Priority Areas
Development Timeline and Process Process
Behavioral Health Services
Why this priority area? Goals
Strategies and Recommended Approaches
Safe Storage Protocols
Why this priority area? Goals
Strategies and Recommendations
Domestic Violence
Why this priority area? Goals
Strategies and Recommendations
Education and Community Programs
Why this priority area?
and Recommendations Implementation
Excelsior Wellness’ Office of Research and Evaluation collaborated with diverse community partners to develop a Spokane County Firearm Violence Prevention Community Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for 2025, following the completion of the Firearm Violence Prevention Community Needs Assessment (CNA) in 2024. This Community Needs Assessment served as the foundation for the Strategic Action Plan, which defines evidence-based strategies to prevent and intervene in firearm violence across the Spokane County community.
Using a public health approach and the social-ecological model to guide the prevention of violence strategy, this multisectoral SAP will work collaboratively with community partners to combine resources and enhance them, thereby increasing positive outcomes and reducing firearm violence in Spokane County.
The SAP planning process has been informed by a planning team representing a diverse array of community organizations. This interdisciplinary team supported the development of the CNA, made decisions about priority issues, and provided guidance for the SAP.
Excelsior’s Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) coordinated an extensive CNA that analyzed mortality records, hospital data, emergency services information, and crime statistics alongside valuable input from both community members and professionals.
Upon completion of the CNA, the ORE team facilitated collaboration among community partners to identify priority areas for Spokane County, reviewing all data to inform their findings. Through analysis of both quantitative statistics and qualitative feedback, four key priority areas emerged:
• Behavioral Health Services
• Safe Storage Protocols
• Domestic Violence Prevention
• Education and Community Programs
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
PHASE 4
•Overview of the Community Needs Assessment
•Priority Areas
•Develop Goals Planning February 2025 January 2025
•Updates on Goals
•Develop Objectives and Strategies
•Recommendations and measurement indicators Planning
•Initial draft of Strategic Action Plan
•Feedback on Initial draft
•Develop final draft Development May - June 2025 March - April 2025
• Firearm Violence Prevention Conference, May 21
•Community Needs Assessment
•Community Strategic Action Plan Deliverables
Each phase includes regular review points and adjustment opportunities to ensure we meet our community's needs effectively.
Excelsior’s Office of Research and Evaluation began by gathering a diverse group of community partners to gain awareness of the community’s individual experiences with gun violence as well as professionals’ insight into evidence-based gun violence interventions. This led to the development of the CNA in 2024, which encompassed the ORE’s assessment of the community’s highest-priority needs, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Critical areas of need for reducing firearm violence were identified as those related to mental health disorders, suicide, domestic violence, school and mass shootings, substance abuse, and social determinants of health. From these six key findings, the focus of the SAP was narrowed down to the areas of behavioral health services, safe storage protocols, domestic violence, and education and community programs. These areas were selected for their broad applicability and high rankings of importance among community partners, with the intention of inspiring local organizations to continue addressing gun violence in meaningful ways despite modern challenges.
Based on findings from the CNA, mental health, suicide, and substance use represent the highest-priority areas for firearm violence prevention in Spokane County. Community partners ranked mental health as the top concern (82%), with suicide following closely (71%).
Several data points provide unambiguous evidence about the impact of behavioral health issues in Spokane County. Between 2018-2022, the county experienced 348 firearm-related deaths, with suicide significantly outnumbering homicides. Males exhibit substantially higher rates of firearm-related suicides compared to females, with male suicide rates reaching 16.54 per 100,000 (233 deaths during this period), while female suicide rates remained around 3.5 per 100,000.
Suicide is a critical part of understanding firearm violence in Spokane County. The 65+ age group experiences the highest rate of firearm-related suicides, with data showing suicide deaths peaking at 73 in this population between 2018-2022. Additionally, the 25-44 age group faces elevated suicide risk, with 78 firearm-related suicide deaths during the same period.
Access to behavioral health services presents significant challenges. Community partners identified “huge gaps between the level of care the rich and poor can afford,” noting that “Medicaid patients trying to get mental health treatment face long waitlists with unreasonable expectations.” Insurance barriers were extensively discussed, with reimbursement rates identified as insufficient to maintain adequate staffing and quality care. Additionally, mental health services for children and adolescents were described as severely limited, particularly regarding inpatient care for youth ages 12 and under.
Substance use is often co-occurring with other mental health conditions and contributes significantly to firearm violence. Community members identified “Substance use” (18%) as the second leading cause of firearm violence after “Mental health issues” (20%). A community partner described incidents where “a neighbor was shot and killed over drugs” and noted the “ripple effects in the community” that such violence creates. Community partners also reported that “gang gun violence is on the rise and access to guns is high,” with many incidents related to drug distribution and territorial disputes. There is a reported shortage of inpatient beds for substance use treatment, highlighting the need for expanded services with traumainformed approaches.
Addressing behavioral health comprehensively through improved access to mental health services, suicide prevention, and substance use treatment represents a fundamental strategy for reducing firearm violence in Spokane County.
1. Expand mental health resources to meet demand, including counseling services, safe spaces, and co-occurring treatment centers.
2. Ensure that patients seeking behavioral health services undergo a suicidality screener and assess access to lethal means.
Strategy 1: Develop a comprehensive online platform that allows users to input their age, specific needs, and location, enabling them to receive customized recommendations for mental health resources
Strategy 2: Create strategically located centers that address multiple mental health needs simultaneously.
Recommended
Strategy 3: Organize a structured advocacy effort to drive policy change and funding.
Approach 1 (Goal 2)
•Leverage technology to connect people with appropriate services without requiring attendance at resource fairs
◦ Paper booklets may be helpful to show at workshops, but provide links for later access
• Incorporate existing resources like The Fig Tree guidebook and SRDVC's asset mapping
• Include telehealth options prominently to address funding constraints
• Feature age-appropriate filtering to clearly indicate services for those under 12 who need out-of-state referrals
Approach 2 (Goal 2)
• Combine counseling services, safe spaces, and treatment in centralized locations
• Incorporate telehealth services to extend reach while controlling costs
• Partner with existing community organizations, including churches already involved in resource compilation
Approach 3 (Goal 2)
• Form a coalition of stakeholders to advocate for in-state emergency mental health services for children under 12
• Establish regular community forums to maintain momentum toward the changes the community hopes to see
Safe storage protocols are practices that secure firearms in locked devices, firearm safes, or with trigger locks to prevent unauthorized access. Findings from the CNA indicate that improper storage of firearms represents a significant public safety concern with direct links to suicide prevention, unintentional injuries, and domestic violence incidents.
Survey data revealed that 58% of community participants reported having firearms in their homes, yet 27% of these respondents acknowledged not storing their weapons safely using a locked container or other device. This inadequate storage creates substantial risk, particularly in households with children or individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Research consistently shows that access to firearms during periods of crisis significantly increases the risk of suicide. In Spokane County, where firearm-related suicide deaths far outnumber homicides, safe storage represents a critical intervention point. From 2018-2022, there were 240 suicide deaths in the county, with firearms being the most common method.
Safe storage is also linked to preventing unintentional injuries and deaths, particularly among youth. Community partners emphasized that children often know how to access firearms even when parents believe weapons are inaccessible. Current safe storage education efforts through the “Lock It Up” program show promise but have limited reach.
Additionally, in domestic violence situations, properly secured firearms can prevent escalation to lethal violence. Community partners noted that domestic violence with firearms present increases lethality five-fold, making secure storage and removal protocols essential components of a comprehensive firearm violence prevention strategy.
1. Achieve measurable reductions in unsafe storage through pre/post surveys, including distribution and monitoring of lockbox usage
• Design non-threatening survey approaches for firearm owners using general safety questions, such as those about first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
2. Advocate for policy change on safe storage laws; a. Community partners and public health officials to advocate for secure storage requirements b. Support Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws requiring secure storage when children are present c. Advocate for tax incentives for the purchase of firearm safes and lockboxes d. Work with local lawmakers to develop ordinances requiring proof of secure storage options at time of firearm purchase.
Develop a community-based "Home Safety Assessment" program.
• Connect with Spokane Valley Fire Department regarding home safety demonstrations (possibility to provide safety devices and demonstrate proper use) Strategies
• Design surveys for firearm owners with a non-threatening approach by using general safety questions about first aid kits, fire extinguishers, etc.
◦ Avoid linking the survey to device distribution (i.e., requiring survey/paperwork to receive the device)
Findings from the CNA indicate that domestic violence is a significant factor in firearm-related deaths and injuries. When firearms are involved, lethality increases five-fold in domestic violence situations.1 Community partners ranked domestic violence as the third highest priority issue (53%) for addressing firearm violence.
Perpetrators of domestic violence use firearm intimidation to create patterns of coercive control even without discharging the weapon. Findings from the CNA revealed that 33% of survey participants who were victims reported being threatened by someone showing a firearm, while 17% had firearms pointed at them. These non-lethal tactics facilitate escalating abuse patterns. Community survey data revealed that domestic violence support centers/services were rated as the highest priority need, with 64% of community members identifying these services as “vital” and “greatly needed.”
The intersection of domestic violence and firearms presents a critical challenge for prevention efforts. When asked about types of firearm violence experienced by victims they knew, community members reported that 17% of incidents involved “intentional assault related to domestic violence.” Furthermore, the assessment found that in cases where Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) are issued, follow-through on firearm relinquishment remains inconsistent, creating significant safety risks.
1. Expand evidence-based batterers intervention treatment programs to meet current demand.
2. Increase accessibility of DV services by co-locating resources, such as childcare and support services, in more centralized areas to address transportation barriers.
Strategy 1: Develop a network of batterer intervention treatment programs and providers.
Approach 1 (Goal 1)
• Partner with existing organizations (e.g., Relationship Advantage) to create satellite batterer intervention programs throughout the county, particularly in North Spokane
• Explore options for specialized training programs to be implemented in existing organizations to expand the number of qualified staff/trainers
• Assess organizations’ current barriers to offering courses in multiple languages to expand the ability to serve diverse populations.
Approach 2 (Goal 1)
Strategy 2: Identify and reduce barriers for batterers to access intervention programs.
Strategy 3: Build community support for batterer intervention treatment through education and evidence of program success rates compared to other intervention methods (e.g., anger management courses).
• Implement a sliding scale payment system based on income/need
• Create a transportation assistance program (gas cards, bus passes, rideshare vouchers) for batterers to access services from remote locations
• Develop a hybrid model with both in-person and virtual options for those with transportation, language access, or other challenges
Strategy 4: Create comprehensive, low-barrier domestic violence service centers.
Approach 3 (Goal 1)
• Garner support for the current bill to investigate successful treatment models
Strategy 5: Integrate school-based support systems for children (k-12) who are impacted or affected by DV cases.
Approach 4 (Goal 2)
• Identify areas in Spokane County with the highest levels of need
• Explore strategic locations to establish "DV Support Centers" across the county
• Identify current barriers to expanding beyond The Y's Family Justice Center model
• Policy change: Advocate for health insurance to cover batterer intervention services
◦ Connect with DOC for re-entry policy legislative work
Approach 5 (Goal 2)
• Support mental health /well-being assessments in schools to identify children (k-12) who are affected by DV
• Strengthen specialized counseling services within schools for immediate support
• Bolster existing direct referral pathways to services available outside of schools
Education and community programs are crucial to preventing firearm violence in Spokane County. The needs assessment showed gaps in safety practices, with 27% of firearm owners failing to use safe storage methods and 21% of residents feeling unsafe to some degree in their communities due to firearm violence.
Among surveyed community members, 35% reported being “very concerned” about firearm violence in their communities, while 28% believed they were “somewhat likely” to become victims of firearm violence. Additionally, community members identified a “lack of training/education on safe handling of firearms” as a contributing factor to firearm violence.
Youth are particularly vulnerable, with rates for ages 0-24 in Spokane County trending higher than statewide rates (5.8-10.9 per 100,000 people compared to 4.9-7.2 per 100,000 statewide). Community partners expressed concerns about school safety measures and the need for age-appropriate education regarding firearm violence prevention.
Mental health issues (cited by 20% of respondents) and substance use (18% of respondents) were identified as leading causes of firearm violence, suggesting that educational programs addressing these underlying factors could have a significant preventive impact. Community surveys indicated strong support (56-58%) for general firearm safety training, school-based programming, and after-school youth programs as essential prevention strategies.
1. Establish community norms around safe firearm storage through targeted campaigns in schools, shooting ranges, and retail locations
2. Enhance required firearm education by incorporating suicide prevention, emergency response, and de-escalation tactics while ensuring participant engagement
Strategy 1: Create customized educational materials for varied environments (e.g., schools, shooting ranges, firearm retailers).
Approach 1 (Goal 1)
• Create age-appropriate warning sign identification materials for schools
• Create versions of educational materials with cultural considerations and translate into Spokane County’s top 5 most common languages
◦ Connect with Spokane International Translation and/or SRHD CHWs
• Develop faith–based programs leveraging trusted local leaders as advocates
Approach 2 (Goal 1)
Strategy 2: Develop behavioral threat assessment teams in schools and the community to intervene before law enforcement is necessary.
Strategy 3: Integrate suicide prevention throughout firearm education.
• Establish county/city threat assessment teams mirroring the models currently used in schools
◦ Review California’s recently mandated workplace violence prevention programs to advise the community threat assessment team
• Create educational messaging on the warning signs of targeted violence, including behavioral indicators, when reports should be filed, and where to report
• Create clear referral pathways between school and community systems
• Engage trusted local organizations (NAACP, Carl Maxey Center, RICS) to reach underserved populations
Approach 3 (Goal 2)
• Adopt evidence-based programs (e.g., Dr. Mary Stover's K-12 approach) to normalizing mental health discussions
• Begin mental health discussions for elementary school students to acknowledge that the average onset of suicidal ideation occurs before age 13 (Turner et al., 2024)
• Train parents to recognize warning signs and understand the critical link between safe storage and suicide prevention
• Implement CALM training methodology and Handle with Care programs
The implementation phase is an opportunity for a broader community ownership of the Strategic Action Plan. Current resource constraints present challenges to Excelsior Wellness and leading community partners in their capacity to facilitate ongoing implementation coordination and outcome monitoring.
Community organizations are encouraged to integrate relevant strategies from this plan into their existing work while establishing sustainable evaluation metrics appropriate to their operational scope. This approach recognizes the importance of community-wide responsibility in addressing firearm violence and aligns with evidence-based practices that emphasize diverse community partner engagement rather than centralized implementation.
The sustainability of the SAP will require engagement from an expanded network of committed community organizations. Future implementation will benefit from the involvement of:
• Healthcare systems and behavioral health providers
• Educational institutions and school districts
• Business community leaders
• Philanthropic and nonprofit organizations
• Faith-based organizations and neighborhood associations
• State and federal grant-making agencies
The plan incorporates sustainability considerations by emphasizing policy and systems changes that continue beyond initial implementation, building capacity within existing organizations, and creating mechanisms for ongoing community engagement that transcend funding cycles.
Staff
1 Public Health
System Administrator
· 2 Research Assistants
1 Vice President
· 1 Intern
· 1 Senior Data Scientist
Community Partners
· 25 members
Software/Hardware
· Microsoft Office Suite
· Qualtrics
· NVIVo
Office/Locations
· Excelsior Wellness— main campus and Excel Solutions
· Spokane Public Libraries –Shadle Park, Indian Trail, Hillyard
Community Stakeholders:
Spokane County residents
Professionals in fields impacted by firearm violence
External Data Stakeholders:
· Washington Emergency Medical Services Information System (WEMSIS)
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD)
Washington State Violent Death Reporting System (WA-VDRS)
Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data (mixed methods approach)
· Conduct survey research
Facilitate focus groups
· Conduct secondary data reviews using existing research and academic studies to support local findings
· Compare local findings with national and statewide data
Outcome 1: Expand behavioral health access
Increase mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services; reduce wait times; launch crisis response programs.
Process Measures
◦ Number of platform users
◦ Number of providers using screeners
· Short-term
◦ Increased awareness of available resources
◦ Reduced barriers to seeking help
◦ Reduced suicide attempts
◦ Increased utilization of mental health services
Long-term
◦ Reduced suicide rates
◦ Reduced youth suicide rates
Outcome 2: Promote safe firearm storage
Distribute safes/locks; deliver community and school-based safety education.
Process Measures
◦ Number of lock boxes distributed
Short-term
◦ Changed attitudes towards storage practices
◦ Safe storage legislation introduced
· Long-term
◦ Widespread adoption of safe storage protocols
Outcome 3: Strengthen domestic violence responses
Enforce firearm relinquishment and ERPOs/GVROs; train providers and law enforcement.
Process Measures
◦ Number of satellite programs established
· Short-term
◦ Early identi cation of at-risk individuals
◦ Higher program retention and completion rates
Long-term
◦ Reduced recidivism rates
◦ Sustainable program funding
Outcome 4: Improve professional collaboration
Establish coalitions; host regular interdisciplinary meetings; share resources across agencies.
Outcome 5: Enhance workforce training
· Provide trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and firearm safety training for professionals.
Outcome 6: Increase community awareness
Run public campaigns; engage pro-gun and general community; track shifts in awareness.
Process Measures
◦ Policy proposals developed
◦ Evidence-based programs adopted
Short-term
◦ Improved geographical access to services
◦ Policy changes implemented
· Long-term
◦ Improved community mental health outcomes
◦ Reduced shootings
Outcome 7: Support impacted individuals
· Expand victim advocacy, survivor services, school programs, and recovery support.
Assumptions
· All community partners will attend meetings
Community partners will be active, engaged, and provide valuable feedback
· Project deliverables will be completed within the predetermined timeline
Grant funds will sustain necessary activities for the duration of the project
External Factors
· Future funding opportunities affected by federal or state grant funding deliberations
Changes in state or federal firearm legislation
· Public perception and attitudes toward firearm safety initiatives
This project was funded by the generous support of the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention— Community Safety Unit within the Washington State Department of Commerce.
This report was authored by:
• Andrew Ogwang, MPH, FRSPH — Public Health Systems Administrator
• Lauren Dodier, BA — Research Assistant
• Srija Poudel, Master of Public Health Intern — Eastern Washington University
With support from:
• Anna Tresidder, MPH, PhD — Vice President, Research and Evaluation
Anastacia Lee, MPH
Angela Svastisalee
Arturo Novoa
Bob Lutz, MD, MPH
Cassondra Moors
Citlalli Briseno
Denise McCurdy, RN, BSN, MBA-HM
Dr. Deborah Svoboda, MSW
Hailey Watkins
Jamie Valadez
Jerrie Newport, MA Applied Psych
Jessica Blackwell
Melody Youker
Mia Parker, B.S
Mike Van Dyke, D.O
Monica Serantes
Rick Scott
Robin Ball
Roshelle Cleland
Sabrina Votava, MA, LMHC
Salliejo Evers
Sally Winn, JD
Taffy Hunter, MSHS, HS-BCP
Virginia Ramos
Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition
Asians for Collective Liberation in Spokane
FailSafe for Life
Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital
Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Department of Homeland Security –Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3)
Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council
Prevent Suicide Spokane Coalition
Sharp Shooting Indoor Range & Gun Shop
Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane
Spokane Regional Health District
Eastern Washington University
North East Washington Educational Service District 101
Mujeres in Action
Spokane City Council
Inland Northwest Behavioral Health
Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
Lutheran Community Services Northwest
