Sen. Dick Durbin's new initiative to combat gun violence


Senator Dick Durbin is joining forces with major area hospitals to help fight violence. Chicago HEAL, which is the new initiative, includes10 major hospitals.

Hospitals include Christ Medical Center, Lurie Children's Hospital, Cook County Hospital to name a few.

Senator Dick Durbin says 'HEAL' stands hospital engagement, action and leadership. He explains the initiative is a collaboration between Chicago hospitals that are committed to reduce gun violence, heal the physical and mental trauma that violence inflicts on our community, increase well-paying jobs and create other economic opportunities in the neighborhoods they serve.

'HEAL' is focusing on 18 Chicago neighborhoods most affected by violence, inequality and poverty.

These hospitals are usually competitors, but Durbin says they have agreed to work together with community organizations to tackle gun violence.