Joint Release:
St. Mary’s County Health Department
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (June 11, 2025)—The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) are hosting Community Violence Prevention Day on June 28, 2025, at Nicolet Park from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. This event is free and open to all community members. 

Community Violence Prevention Day is family-friendly and will offer a variety of activities, including games, face painting, food trucks, music, a free pop-up grocery market, and more. Gunlocks and gun safes will also be available while supplies last. Collaboration is encouraged; several local organizations and community leaders will attend to provide youth and families with resources and activities that inspire growth and leadership while promoting resilience within the community. 

“Community Violence Prevention Day is designed to help create a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community for everyone,” said Michelle Pottinger, SMCHD’s Violence, Injury, and Trauma Unit Director. “This event will be a great opportunity to strengthen connections between families, neighborhoods, and local organizations who are working to empower youth by addressing the root causes of violence.” 

“This is a great opportunity to come together as a community,” said Lieutenant Austin Schultz. “Our partnership with the St. Mary’s County Health Department continues to grow stronger, and Community Violence Prevention Day is just one example of how we’re working side by side to make a lasting impact in St. Mary’s County.”

Registration for volunteers and vendors is open until June 13, 2025. Interested parties can sign up here. 

For more information on the SMCHD Violence, Injury, and Trauma Unit, please visit smchd.org/health-topics/violence-injury-and-trauma.