United Way of Central Iowa has released its Safe & Thriving Youth: Central Iowa’s Youth Violence Reduction Plan after 18 months of collaboration with community members, leaders and organizations. The goal of the plan is to reduce the number of gun-related incidents, including shots fired and gun homicides, decrease the number of young people experiencing gun violence and lower the number of youth arrests and incarcerations for gun-related charges, according to a news release. Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham, has agreed to lead a plan implementation workgroup, the release said. “We need everyone around the table. Law enforcement can’t do this alone,” Graham said in a prepared statement. “Community collaboration is critical to giving families peace and hope for a safer future.” The plan promotes a public health approach, focusing on prevention, intervention and addressing the root causes of violence, with a goal of making sustainable progress within the next five years. “Community violence is a complex issue that requires all of us to work together to create meaningful change,” Mary Sellers, president of United Way of Central Iowa, said in a prepared statement. “This plan highlights the shared commitment of our community in fostering safer environments for our youth today and in the future.” Additional funding for the plan was provided by the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the release said.