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COVID-19 will likely, and for good reason, change the way states and cities address funding health and human services departments. Here too, we see that COVID-19 disproportionately affects minority populations. Social determinants ofhealth point to the reasons why. My hope is that the city ofLakewood will put a plan in place,past the declaration of racism as a public health crisis, to ensure that further steps are taken, and progress is made, to address racism and social determinants ofhealth in our community. " McKenzie Levi stated his opposition to Council supporting progressive political trends. He stated that he does not believe everyone has racist biases or that anyone on Council is racist. Vice President Litten addressed Mr. Levi's comments and acknowledged facets of white privilege. He thanked Ms. Rodriguez-Carbone for her comments. On the motion: A roll call vote was taken as follows: Yeas —Bullock, Kepple, Litten, Neff, O'Malley, Rader, Shachner Nays —None Motion passed. The communication was received and filed. 17. Communication from Mayor George & Chief Malley regarding Lakewood Police Department. (to be provided) Mayor George sought to outline some of the strategies and trainings underway in the Lakewood Police Department. She read the following statement into the record: "Racism of any kind will not be tolerated. The tragic death of George Floyd has sparked a national movement for systemic change. Last week's demonstrations in Lakewood were comprised of voices exercising their rights and calling attention to George Floyd and other Black lives insensibly lost across the United States. Lakewood will not ignore this call and we stand with you. One action I can take as safety director is to deploy the resources of the city of Lakewood to ensure a safe place for the people of Lakewood and for the discussion to take place peacefully. I am grateful for the Lakewood Police Department and their high level of sensitivity, preparedness, and training. They have been leaders among law enforcement agencies across Ohio and our community benefits from the following strategies and techniques currently in use amongst many others. First off is Crisis Intervention Training. The Lakewood Police Department implemented a crisis intervention training program in 2016, with the goal ofdeescalating crisis situations and connecting residents to community services. Lakewood's trained officers spend 40 hours acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to respond to people in crisis. Currently Lakewood has 27 certifiedcrisis intervention personnel. We will continue this program moving forward. In 2018, Police Chief Malley was named Crisis Intervention Team Chief ofthe Year.