A multi-million dollar push is underway to help prevent violent crime, primarily in Milwaukee.Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in WisconsinThe money is part of Wisconsin's federal COVID-19 recovery funds. The goal is to fight violence, similarly to the fight against COVID-19.As leaders look for ways to stem the rise of violent crime, especially in Milwaukee, Gov. Tony Evers is pouring millions of dollars toward attacking the problem. Evers announced plans to put $45 million of Wisconsin's federal American Rescue Plan Act, or COVID-19 recovery funds, toward violence prevention programs and crime victim services. The rise in violence, he said, is a crisis magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in many ways, similar."Much like the pandemic, this is another public health crisis that deserves our attention and our action," Evers said Wednesday in Milwaukee.The president of the Medical College of Wisconsin said seeing violent crime as a public crisis may change the way people view the problem."It is a public health issue. It impacts every aspect of our society," Dr. John Raymond said. "I think it will change the perception. This is an issue that impacts all of us."Those working to curb violence in the city welcomed the multi-million dollar investment from the state.But some, like community activist Vaun Mayes, want to see city leaders do more."As far as listening to actual people, as far as coming to the table trying to figure out what solutions actually are, because the things they are doing apparently are not working," he said.Common Council President Cavalier Johnson said he believes the city was making strides to limit violence, until the pandemic hit, and agrees that now, more needs to be done."The past year and a half or so has really dealt a blow to the city's efforts on violence prevention," he said. "There's more resources that are needed there. I'm glad the state stepped in, and I want the city to do more as well."The money is going to a number of organizations and programs, many of them in Milwaukee. About $25 million goes toward violence prevention, while another $20 million is for victims' services programs. Evers said he hopes to get those dollars to the groups who can use them within a matter of weeks.Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISNGet breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube