Partnership for a Safer Cleveland

📱 How much screen time is too much?

A growing conversation among health experts suggests that excessive screen time, especially during early childhood, may have lasting effects on brain development. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, too much screen exposure at a young age may contribute to delays in attention, memory, language development, and other cognitive skills. Experts are encouraging families to create healthy boundaries around technology and prioritize time for play, conversation, reading, and outdoor activities.

For many families, screens are a part of everyday life. The challenge isn't eliminating them, but finding the right balance.

📖 Read the full story here:
https://www.foxnews.com/health/too-much-screen-time-may-trigger-lasting-brain-delays-health-official-warns

💬 What works in your home? Do you set screen time limits for your children, or is finding that balance one of today's biggest parenting challenges? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Too much screen time may trigger lasting brain delays, top health official warns Federal health officials unveil "the 5 Ds" framework to help parents combat screen addiction and protect children's attention, memory and language skills.

🏥 A major investment in community health comes at a pivotal time.

MetroHealth has officially opened its new Outpatient Health Center, bringing expanded cancer care, surgical services, pediatric care, and a 24/7 pharmacy under one roof for Northeast Ohio residents. At the same time, healthcare leaders are raising concerns about the potential impact of significant Medicaid funding cuts on hospitals and the patients who rely on them.

Access to quality healthcare is an important part of building healthier, safer communities. As our region continues to grow, conversations about healthcare access, affordability, and sustainability will remain critical.

📖 Read the full story from Ideastream:
https://www.ideastream.org/health/2026-07-27/metrohealths-new-outpatient-center-opens-amid-steep-medicaid-cuts

🤔What do you think are the biggest healthcare challenges facing our community today?

MetroHealth's new outpatient center opens amid steep Medicaid cuts MetroHealth’s $224 million Outpatient Health Center opens July 27. One cancer patient took an early tour to see where she'll receive treatment.

🗳️ Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote in Ohio state and local elections?

A newly introduced proposal in the Ohio General Assembly would ask voters to consider lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 for state and local elections only. Federal elections would continue to require voters to be at least 18 years old. If approved by lawmakers, the proposal would ultimately go before Ohio voters as a constitutional amendment.

Supporters say the change could encourage lifelong civic engagement and give young people a voice in decisions that affect their communities. Others believe the current voting age should remain unchanged.

No matter where you stand, it's a conversation about civic participation, representation, and the future of our democracy.

📖 Read more here:
https://www.timesleaderonline.com/news/local-news/2026/07/ohio-rep-wants-to-lower-voting-age-in-state-to-16/

💬 What are your thoughts? Should Ohio lower the voting age for state and local elections to 16, or keep it at 18? We'd love to hear your perspective.

Ohio Rep. wants to lower voting age in state to 16 Sixteen-year-olds in Ohio would be allowed to vote in nonfederal elections under a proposed constitutional amendment that would lower the state’s legal voting age of 18. “Democracy is at its strongest when we encourage lifelong habits of civic engagement,” said Rep. Chris Glassburn, D-North Ol...

🩸 TODAY: Give Blood. Help Save a Life.

If you have some time this afternoon, there is still an opportunity to make a very real difference.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is co-hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross TODAY in Parma as the Red Cross continues to face an emergency blood shortage.

For trauma patients, access to donated blood can be critical. Patients suffering from gunshot wounds can require 10 times more blood than those with other traumatic injuries.

📅 TODAY, Thursday, July 30
⏰ 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
📍 St. Columbkille Church
6740 Broadview Rd, Parma, OH 44134

🩸 Appointments are still available. If you can donate, please consider signing up today:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=MomsDemandAction

Can't donate today? Help us spread the word by sharing this post. Someone in your network may be able to fill one of the remaining appointments.

A small amount of your time can help save a life. ❤️

🚔 Eight Months of Investigation Leads to Major Gang Enforcement Operation

This week, the Cleveland Division of Police, working alongside the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force and numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, announced the results of an eight-month investigation targeting alleged violent gang activity in Northeast Ohio.

According to investigators, the coordinated operation focused on individuals suspected of involvement in illegal fi****ms trafficking, violent crime, robberies, vehicle thefts, and narcotics distribution. The investigation resulted in multiple arrests, the ex*****on of several search warrants, and the recovery of numerous fi****ms, including illegally modified weapons. The operation highlights the level of coordination often required to investigate complex criminal organizations while protecting the integrity of ongoing cases.

Reducing violent crime requires more than enforcement alone. It depends on strong partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, prevention programs, intervention efforts, and residents who are committed to building safer neighborhoods. Each plays an important role in creating lasting public safety.

📖 Read our post for the full release from the Cleveland Division of Police

Beyond the Headlines: Eight Months of Investigation. One Coordinated Operation. A Major Blow to Violent Gang Activity CLEVELAND- In November 2025, the Cleveland Police and FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force initiated an investigation involving the illegal possession of a dangerous ordnance, specifically an auto sear…

🩸 GIVE BLOOD. HELP SAVE A LIFE.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive THIS THURSDAY, July 30, in Parma, and donors are urgently needed.

🚨 The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage this month. Blood donations are critical for hospitals and trauma centers, and patients suffering from gunshot wounds can require significantly more blood than patients with other traumatic injuries.

There are currently 20 appointments still available. If you're able to donate, please consider giving an hour of your time to help ensure lifesaving blood is available when our community needs it most.

📅 Thursday, July 30
⏰ 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
📍 St. Columbkille Church
6740 Broadview Rd, Parma, OH 44134

🩸 Schedule your donation:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=MomsDemandAction

Every donation matters. Please consider making an appointment and sharing this post to help fill the remaining spots.

⚠️ Health Alert: CDC Investigating Cyclospora Outbreak Affecting Ohio

Ohio is among the states dealing with a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora.

According to Spectrum News 1 Ohio, the Ohio Department of Health has requested additional assistance from the CDC to help investigate cases, conduct interviews and manage data as health officials work to identify and track illnesses.

The CDC has now linked a multistate outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, with illnesses reported in nine states, including Ohio. As of July 24, at least 1,947 cases and 98 hospitalizations have been connected to the outbreak. No deaths have been reported.

🥬 Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, and health officials are urging consumers not to eat recalled lettuce.

Symptoms of Cyclospora infection can include:
▪️ Watery diarrhea
▪️ Loss of appetite
▪️ Fatigue
▪️ Weight loss
▪️ Bloating or nausea

Symptoms often begin about a week after infection and can persist for weeks if left untreated.

Please help us spread the word. Check your refrigerator for recalled lettuce, be aware of the symptoms and share this information with friends and family who may not have seen the alert.

If you are experiencing symptoms, the CDC recommends contacting your healthcare provider and specifically asking about testing for Cyclospora.

🔗 Make sure to read the full story in our post

CDC disease detectives coming to Ohio to investigate cyclosporiasis outbreak The CDC is sending additional investigators to Ohio as experts explain why Cyclospora can be especially difficult to detect and trace.

🛡️ Creating Safer Spaces for Child Custody Exchanges

A tragic shooting outside Cleveland’s Fifth District police headquarters this week is drawing attention to the risks that can arise during child custody exchanges and to resources designed to make those interactions safer.

According to News 5 Cleveland, the shooting occurred following what investigators say was expected to be a child custody exchange. The incident ended with the death of Marcus Driggins Jr.

The tragedy also highlights the importance of safe exchange programs, which provide structured, secure environments for families when conflict, protection orders or other safety concerns are present.

The Journey Center for Safety and Healing offers a free safe exchange program where children are transferred through trained staff so the involved adults do not have to come into contact with one another. Departures can also be staggered, and security is available on site.

Journey Center CEO Anne Face told News 5 that these measures can greatly reduce the chances of violence. The organization serves approximately 20,000 people each year through services including shelter, court advocacy, safety planning, therapy, housing assistance and safe visitation.

💙 Community safety also means making sure people know where to turn before a dangerous situation escalates.

We encourage our followers to read and share this story. Someone in your network may benefit from knowing that safe exchange services and other resources are available in our community.

'Safe exchange' programs can help reduce violence during child custody exchanges, Cleveland advocate says Wednesday morning’s shooting in the parking lot of Cleveland’s Fifth District police headquarters occurred after what investigators say was expected to be a child custody exchange.

🌊 Cleveland’s Lakefront Vision Is Moving Forward

For decades, Clevelanders have talked about better connecting our downtown to one of our greatest assets: Lake Erie. According to Axios Cleveland, more than $3 billion in public and private investment is now converging on the lakefront, with several major projects beginning to move from plans and renderings toward reality.

Among the projects taking shape:
🚧 North Coast Connector: The nearly $500 million project would realign the Shoreway, create a pedestrian land bridge and establish a multimodal transit hub. The $284 million first phase is fully funded, with construction expected to begin in late 2027.

🏙️ Current Browns Stadium Site: Planning is underway to eventually transform the 50-acre site into a new mixed-use neighborhood, with some permanent public spaces potentially beginning to take shape as early as next year.

✈️ Burke Lakefront Airport: Its future remains undecided, but discussions continue about what the 450-acre property could mean for Cleveland if the airport were eventually closed.

🌳 North Coast Yard: The seasonal waterfront park attracted roughly 25,000 visitors during its first season, offering an early glimpse at the demand for more accessible public space along the lakefront.

These decisions will help shape Cleveland for generations. Beyond development, this is a conversation about creating welcoming public spaces, strengthening neighborhoods, growing the city's tax base, and ensuring Clevelanders can better access and enjoy their waterfront.

💬 What would YOU like to see along Cleveland’s future lakefront? More parks and public spaces? Housing? Restaurants and retail? Trails and recreation? Something else?

Tell us in the comments. We want to hear from you.

Cleveland's $3B lakefront vision gains momentum From the land bridge to the Browns site to Burke, plans are finally moving toward construction.

Stay Connected to What's Happening in Public Safety Across Greater Cleveland

Every day, organizations, community leaders, law enforcement, nonprofits, and residents are working to make Cleveland safer. Our goal is to help bring those efforts together in one place.

The Partnership for a Safer Cleveland's Advancing Safety newsletter delivers a carefully curated roundup of the latest public safety news, community initiatives, funding opportunities, events, research, and success stories from across our region.

Whether you're working in public safety, serving your community, leading a nonprofit, or simply interested in what's happening in Greater Cleveland, our newsletter helps you stay informed and connected.

Each edition includes:
✅ Local public safety and community news
✅ State and national trends that impact our region
✅ Upcoming events, trainings, and funding opportunities
✅ Stories highlighting local organizations and collaborative efforts
✅ Updates on the Partnership's work to build a safer Cleveland

An informed community is a stronger community. We invite you to join thousands of readers who rely on Advancing Safety to stay up to date on the issues, partnerships, and solutions shaping our region.

📬 Subscribe today: https://mailchi.mp/safercleveland/join-newsletter

If you find value in the newsletter, please consider sharing it with your colleagues, neighbors, and friends. Together, we can help build a more informed, connected, and safer Cleveland.