Keeping Awareness Alive

Voices For Change

As the owner of Fruit Bearers, a Christian ministry and business dedicated to spreading the Gospel and fostering hope, one of my initiatives is to raise awareness about critical social issues such as violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, sex trafficking, mental health, and suicide prevention. It is my heartfelt prayer that through the Fruit Bearers platform, I can actively contribute to reducing these issues by promoting awareness, education, and prevention.

It is my hope to provide vital resources, prayer initiatives, educational tools, and more as I continue to keep awareness at the heart of the Fruit Bearers ministry and business. My goal is to shine a light on the critical societal challenges that impact communities globally, with a special focus on serving the local areas of Dickinson, League City, and the broader regions of Galveston and Harris Counties.

Below, you will find important information that highlights the national rates of gun violence, alcohol and drug abuse, crime, youth drug use, suicide, teen pregnancy, gang violence, and sex trafficking. I have also included comparisons with the local rates in Galveston and Harris Counties to shed light on the urgent need for action in our community.

Thank you for staying informed and praying alongside me as we confront these challenges. Together, we can make a difference in reducing these statistics, both on a global scale and in our local communities. Your support and prayers are deeply appreciated as we continue to fight for change.

NATIONAL AND LOCAL STATISTICS

Gun Violence

  • National: The CDC reports 20,716 firearm-related deaths in the U.S. in 2021.
  • Galveston County: Approximately 33 firearm-related homicides in 2021.
  • Harris County: Harris County saw 470 homicides in 2021, a significant portion involving firearms.

Substance Use and Abuse

  • National: 9.5% of Americans aged 12 and older reported illicit drug use in the past month (NIDA), and approximately 54.3% of adults aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol in the past month (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).
  • Galveston County: There is an increasing trend in opioid abuse, particularly fentanyl-related overdoses, as well as growing concerns about alcohol use in the community.
  • Harris County: Substance-related deaths, primarily from opioids and alcohol, continue to rise. Fentanyl-related fatalities are particularly concerning, and alcohol-related issues, including DUI incidents, remain significant.

Youth Drug Use

  • National: 37% of high school seniors reported illicit drug use in 2022 (NIDA).
  • Galveston County: Youth drug use remains a concern, with 20% of high school students reporting drug use. The county has the second-highest death rate by drug overdose in Texas, highlighting a critical need for intervention and prevention programs targeting youth. 
  • Harris County: Youth drug use is higher than the state average, especially in areas with limited access to educational and recreational resources. Recent reports indicate a significant rise in drug use among teens, with youth aged 15 to 19 experiencing the highest rates of drug-related deaths and hospitalizations. The accessibility of drugs through social media platforms and the prevalence of fentanyl-laced substances contribute to this alarming trend. 

Crime Rate

  • National: While crime rates have decreased slightly in recent years, certain regions, particularly cities, continue to experience high violent crime rates.
  • Galveston County: Crime rates in Galveston remain steady, with concerns about drug-related crimes and property theft.
  • Harris County: Houston's crime rates remain elevated, with gang activity and violent crimes being significant contributors.

Suicide Rates

  • National: 48,183 suicides were recorded in 2021 (CDC), with a concerning rise among young adults.
  • Galveston County: 45 reported suicides in 2022, with many occurring among young adults and teenagers. The county has a suicide mortality rate of 13.5 per 100,000, higher than the national average, indicating a critical area for intervention.
  • Harris County: Harris County also experienced a rise in suicide rates, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Over the last decade, there has been a 70% increase in child and adolescent suicide rates, underscoring the urgent need for mental health support. 

Mental Illness

  • National: 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually (NAMI).
  • Galveston County: Limited access to mental health services, leading to a rise in untreated mental health issues.
  • Harris County: Houston faces high rates of mental illness, exacerbated by homelessness, economic hardship, and social inequality.

Teen Pregnancy

  • National: The teen pregnancy rate in the U.S. has declined, but it remains a concern, particularly in underserved areas.
  • Galveston County: The teen pregnancy rate is higher than the state average, with many young girls facing limited access to education and healthcare.
  • Harris County: While the teen pregnancy rate has declined, certain areas in Houston report higher-than-average rates, especially in minority communities.

Gang Violence

  • National: Gang violence remains a significant concern in U.S. cities, with gangs contributing to much of the violent crime.
  • Galveston County: Galveston has seen a rise in gang activity and associated violence, especially in younger populations.  While specific youth firearm data is limited, the county’s high drug overdose rates may correlate with increased gun violence, necessitating comprehensive prevention strategies.
  • Harris County: Gang violence is a major issue in Houston, with rival gang conflicts contributing to a high number of shootings and violent crimes.  Firearm-related offenses among youth increased by 37.3% from 2016 to 2021, rising from 794 to 1,090 incidents. 

Sex Trafficking

  • National: The Polaris Project estimates that more than 100,000 minors are trafficked for sex in the U.S. annually.
  • Galveston County: Instances of sex trafficking have been reported, particularly among vulnerable youth and individuals in at-risk neighborhoods.
  • Harris County: Houston is a hotspot for human trafficking, with many victims being minors and young adults coerced into sex work.

I humbly ask for your support through prayers, donations, and any resources you can offer as I work to create valuable resources to these pressing social issues. Your generosity and partnership are truly invaluable as we unite to make a meaningful impact in this crucial mission. For more information, to offer support, or to provide additional resources, please don’t hesitate to contact me at info@FruitBearers.net. This page will be regularly updated with the latest data, upcoming events, and new resources as they become available. Thank you for your continued support and for standing with us in this important work.

Unleash Your Faith, Impact The World.

Fruit Bearers