Youth ALIVE Interviewed on KTVU | Shooting of 15-Year-Old on BART and How To Prevent Violence and Support Our Young People

In the aftermath of the recent shooting of a 15-year-old on a BART train, Youth ALIVE! was featured on KTVU Fox News 2 to offer a public health perspective on violence, prevention, and healing. The segment highlights the urgent need to invest in young people and community-rooted safety strategies.

🎥 Watch the full segment (Youth ALIVE! portion begins at 02:29): KTVU Interview

“Anytime a young person is hurt, our hearts go out for them—but it’s more than just our hearts, it’s our action.”

— Dr. Joseph Griffin, Executive Director

“Here in Oakland, there’s a lot happening on the ground to support survivors of violence, and also to prevent violence from happening in the first place.”

Executive Director Joseph Griffin, DrPH, emphasized that addressing youth violence requires more than thoughts, it demands a coordinated, public health–based response grounded in empathy, community, and investment.

“We have to think about changing the conditions around what would make somebody reach for a gun.”

— Lauren Greenberg, Director of Development & Communications

“What is their school life like? What is after school like? Are there safe spaces where they can go and develop themselves? What do we actually do to facilitate social bonds?”

Lauren Greenberg highlighted the importance of understanding the broader social and emotional context in which violence occurs. If we want to reduce gun violence, we must change the conditions that give rise to it—starting with schools, neighborhoods, and support systems.

“Take that one moment to stop and think before reacting, and know there are other options.”

— Sie Savage Chambers, Intervention Specialist

“There are resources that are there to support you.”

Sie Savage Chambers, a Violence Intervention Specialist with Youth ALIVE!, shared how crucial it is for young people to know they are not alone—and that support exists before crisis escalates. His message is a direct call to youth: pause, reflect, and reach out.

At Youth ALIVE!, we are committed to walking alongside survivors, strengthening protective factors, and advocating for long-term change.

#YouthALIVE #ViolencePrevention #PublicHealth #TraumaInformed #HealingCentered #Oakland #KTVU #EmpathyIsPrevention #CommunitySafety