Illinois residents now have access to a powerful tool to make our communities safer.

IDPH Launches Dashboard That Tracks Violent Crimes

According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the IDPH has taken a significant step in addressing firearm violence with the launch of a new, state-of-the-art dashboard.

Designed to provide detailed data on violent deaths and firearm-related injuries, the dashboard aims to empower communities and policymakers with the tools to drive prevention efforts.

What the Dashboard Offers

The dashboard is divided into two sections: Illinois Firearm Injury Rates and Illinois Violent Deaths.

Man holding a gun in his hand with white background.
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Both sections break down data by county, providing insights into the type of incidents—such as homicides or suicides—the weapons used, and where victims reside.

This resource promises to be a game-changer for local leaders and organizations aiming to address the state’s firearm violence crisis.

Firearm violence is a public health crisis that requires public health solutions. Modernizing how we gather and use data is critical to finding holistic solutions. -IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra

Insights from the Data

Initial findings from the IDPH dashboard:

  • Chicago leads the state in non-fatal firearm injury rates, with more than 350 cases per 100,000 emergency department visits.
  • Black Illinoisans face a disproportionate impact, accounting for over 55% of firearm fatalities and experiencing non-fatal firearm injuries at rates over ten times higher than white residents.
  • Men make up 89% of firearm-related deaths since 2015, and individuals aged 20–29 are most affected by firearm injuries and deaths.

These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable communities, according to the report.

A Collaborative Effort

According to the IDPH press release, this dashboard is the result of collaboration between IDPH, the Joyce Foundation, and Understory Consulting, with data contributions from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and the CDC.

The project leverages years of data, from 2015 to present, to provide a comprehensive picture of firearm violence across the state.

Why This Matters

“The launch of this dashboard represents a significant step forward in Illinois’ mission to reduce and eliminate firearm violence,” said Quiwana Bell, Assistant Secretary Designate of the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention.

By providing a clear picture of where and how firearm violence occurs, the dashboard enables data-driven solutions that save lives in Illinois.

This new resource is part of a broader effort by IDPH to address firearm violence, including public awareness campaigns, safe gun storage initiatives, and the distribution of more than 150,000 free gun locks statewide.

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