Harris County Public Health Hosts Community Block Party to Promote Gun Violence Prevention

HOUSTON, Texas, June 27, 2026. Harris County Public Health, in partnership with Harris County Constable Precinct 7, hosted the Rise Up Stand Up Community Block Party & Resource Fair on Saturday at the historic Old Palm Center, bringing together residents, community organizations, and local leaders for an afternoon focused on preventing gun violence.

The event featured free community resources, family activities, food, local organizations, customized vehicles, motorcycles, and outreach programs designed to strengthen relationships between residents and community partners.

According to event organizers, the goal was to help “prevent that next instance of gun violence from happening” by connecting residents with resources and encouraging community engagement.

The event also highlighted Harris County Public Health’s Relentless Interrupters Serving Everyone (RISE) program, a community-based violence prevention initiative that takes a public health approach to reducing gun violence. Rather than relying solely on traditional law enforcement, RISE utilizes trained “credible messengers,” individuals with deep community ties and lived experience, to mediate conflicts before they escalate, support victims of violence, and connect at-risk residents with services that promote long-term stability. The program operates alongside law enforcement as a complementary strategy aimed at reducing violence throughout Harris County. (Harris County Public Health)

Throughout the afternoon, community members were encouraged to take an active role in creating safer neighborhoods under the event’s message: “Our community. Our responsibility.”

Among those in attendance was Dr. Candice Matthews, a supporter of Harris County Constable Precinct 7. Matthews joined organizers and community members in helping spread the message of ending gun violence and promoting unity throughout Harris County.

Organizers say events like the Rise Up Stand Up Community Block Party are intended to build trust, increase access to community resources, and foster partnerships that can help reduce violence before it occurs.

Harris County Public Health continues to expand its violence prevention efforts through the RISE program, which now serves multiple communities across Harris County with the goal of improving public safety while addressing the underlying causes of violence. (Harris County Public Health)