We have good news, friend, which we know we all really need to hear these days.
We’re proud to announce that Dr. Joseph Sakran has been elected as the Chair of Brady’s Board and our Chief Medical Officer — the only physician to hold these roles within a major gun violence prevention organization.
Gun violence is a public health crisis that claims the lives of more than 45,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death for youth in this nation, surpassing deaths by cancer and car accidents. We know that treating this complex crisis calls for strong leaders and experts in public health who understand the impact of gun violence and its solutions — and Dr. Sakran is that type of leader.
Dr. Sakran’s dedication to his field is rooted in his lived experience of trauma from gun violence. At just 17 years old, a .38 caliber bullet ripped through his throat and ruptured his windpipe. This tragedy changed the entire trajectory of his life: He recovered, went to medical school, and is now a lead trauma surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he treats victims of gun violence.
In 2018, following a comment by the NRA that doctors should “stay in their lane” regarding gun violence, Dr. Sakran launched @ThisIsOurLane to elevate the role that healthcare professionals play in reducing firearm injuries and deaths. This effort, now a grassroots initiative of Brady, gained international attention and sparked major action, with doctors and healthcare professionals testifying before Congress and state legislatures, helping win historic federal research funding, and so much more.
As you can see, Dr. Sakran has already accomplished so much for the movement to end gun violence, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have his leadership. Please join us in giving Dr. Sakran a warm welcome!
