By Reginald Washington, Founder of Project A.W.A.R.E. Enterprises, Inc.

Safe neighborhoods are just as vital to our health as clean air or nutritious food. Your zip code has as much as an impact on your health as your genetic code, and studies have shown that a neighborhood’s conditions impact residents’ likelihood of smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. The bottom line: Safe neighborhoods make healthy communities and healthy communities make safe neighborhoods.

There are several factors involved in creating safe neighborhoods, from improving policies to encouraging individuals to adopt positive behaviors:

• Sidewalks and lighting make public spaces more enticing and discourage crime
• Accessible services and economic opportunities ensure a high standard of living
• Engaged and active residents promote a sense of ownership and presence in the community
• Education and modeling of non-violent behavior helps break the cycle of learned violence

One of the most visible and successful violence prevention models enlists members of the community, including former gang members, to serve as "violence interrupters," who educate and counsel those affected by violence in an effort to halt the cycle of violence and retaliation. In San Diego County, Project A.W.A.R.E. Enterprises works as one such violence interrupter. Project A.W.A.R.E. (Attitude When Angry and Resolving Emotional Issues Non-Violently) aims to educate at-risk youth to find non-violent solutions through interpersonal communications, social development and problem-solving skills. They provide a safe environment for youth to process feelings and become a leader. Working with school districts and other partners, Project A.W.A.R.E. utilizes a variety of tools including workshops, speakers, role-play exercises, and skits to increase self-analysis and -awareness, with the ultimate goal of peaceful problem resolution.

Join us in reading this month’s Live Well San Diego Newsletter, which highlights partners who are creating safe neighborhoods throughout the San Diego region.