The Latest

In this update from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions: 

• State Advocacy: promising bills in New Mexico, Maryland, and Washington
• Tim Carey, Law and Policy Advisor, examines the risk lax gun policies pose to our democracy 
• Honoring the legacy of Dana Feitler through research and advocacy 

For the latest updates on our work, be sure to follow us on Twitter, like our page on Facebook, follow us on Threads, and you can now check out the Center on Instagram.

The Center’s Safer States Initiative works in partnership with community gun violence prevention leaders and organizations to ensure they have the policy expertise and capacity they need to create change. Jen Pauliukonis, Director of Policy and Programming, leads a monthly call to facilitate information sharing and collaboration among groups from across the country. As states gavel in their 2024 legislative sessions, the Center’s faculty and staff are supporting these groups as they work to pass evidence-backed legislation to keep their communities safe.  

New Mexico  

Although the state budget is the priority in Santa Fe this year, New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence are supporting efforts to pass legislation to strengthen New Mexico’s Extreme Risk Protection Act. Director of Law and Policy, Kelly Roskam, will testify in support of the bill. Roskam has made recommendations to clarify the bill language and ensure it can be implemented effectively.  

Maryland 

Governor Wes Moore previewed the 2024 legislative session with an announcement about a priority bill that would create a state level Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention. Creation of statewide offices such as this are a priority of the recently created White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. This office would be tasked with collecting and maintaining critical state data that is foundational to the research the Center's faculty and staff use to identify trends and recommend evidence-backed solutions. A statewide coalition of gun violence prevention organizations led by Safer States Initiative group Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence has been instrumental in this effort. 

Washington 

Washington is considering legislation that would require a license to purchase a firearm. Firearm purchaser licensing is a policy priority of the Center and local advocacy group Alliance for Gun Responsibility. Research from Center Co-Director Cass Crifasi and Distinguished Scholar Daniel Webster demonstrate the lives that could be saved by implementing a permit-to-purchase system. Cass submitted written testimony in support of a Washington bill to enhance requirements for purchasing a firearm.  

Another presidential election year is upon us, has anything changed to safeguard our political process from the intimidation and attacks we saw three years ago?  Law and Policy Advisor Tim Carey addresses that question in a recently published USA Today Op-Ed: Could Jan. 6 insurrection happen again? 

Weak US gun laws are a threat to our democracy. Tim highlights work that has been done in states like Colorado to protect our democratic spaces and makes recommendations for further improvements, including implementing Extreme Risk Protection Orders and regulating public carry. 

Feitler Professor Combines Research with Advocacy to Change Policy 

Center Co-Director Josh Horwitz is the first Dana Feitler Professor of the Practice in Gun Violence Prevention and Advocacy. Named for her sister who was taken by random gun violence n 1989, Pamela Hoehn-Saric and her husband, Chris, endowed the professorship so her sister’s legacy would live on in the combined advocacy and research work that is being done at the Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

The Atlantic: The Death of a Gun-Rights Warrior 

Co-Director Cass Crifasi’s analysis of firearm suicide deaths is cited. 

WMAR 2: Baltimore’s homicide reduction in ‘23 a good sign for ‘24 

Distinguished Scholar Daniel Webster discusses factors contributing to a reduction in homicides. 

Washington Post: Legislators can help protect themselves 

Center Co-Director Josh Horwitz and Law and Policy Advisor Tim Carey address increased threats to legislators.

Public Health On Call Podcast: Psychological Autopsies to Prevent Suicides

Core Faculty member Dr. Paul Nestadt discusses opportunities for interventions to prevent suicide.

Washington Post: Newly blue Va. Capitol could send gun-control bills to Youngkin’s desk 

Lori Haas, Advocacy Manager, comments on the legislative session in Virginia. 

"I am very grateful to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions and avidly support its’ mission. The Center truly values humanity.  It is appalling to me that gun violence in our country cannot be stopped. There are currently more guns than people in the United States today. The possible loss of any child due to gun violence should demand restrictions on gun access and use. What DO we value? We should have better age restrictions, gun training, and background checks required prior to all gun purchases. I support the Center so it can continue its’ research and good work to provide a change for the better in this fight for life!!" -Kathy, TX 

If you wish to support the Center, please visit our giving page to make a contribution to help prevent gun violence!  

The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
624 North Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21205
United States

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.