 | Hello John We have the ability to change the landscape of gun violence in America even in these times. All of us are being called to do our work in different spaces, which is difficult but we are succeeding. Today we are sharing what some of the affiliates are doing, as we move forward. It is also important to recognize the capacity for care that we have, and that the care that we have for all of you that have helped us continue to move forward. | | | | | | | | Vision Quilt Our affiliate in Missouri Grandparents Against Gun Violence or GAGV is based in, Kansas City, Missouri and focuses on issues related to gun violence in Kansas and Missouri. Many of their supporters asked for a way to support GAGV’s mission while staying at home during the pandemic and that’s how GAGV discovered Vision Quilt, a wonderful project inspired by the worldwide reaction to the AIDS Memorial Quilt of the 1980s. Vision Quilt’s mission is to educate, advocate, and participate in the effort to promote gun safety and reduce gun violence -- the creation of these panels are displayed through social media and in the community further these goals. Members of the group are on their way to making it a reality by partnering with a church group and a student group. | | | | | | | |  | Safe Tennessee Project Executive Director Making Masks While the Safe Tennessee Project waits for the Tennessee Legislature to resume in some fashion on June 1, Executive Director Beth Joslin Roth has been busy sewing masks alongside more than 600 other volunteer stitchers. Via an active Facebook group, Beth and her cohort fills requests from local hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers. Collectively the group has made thousands of masks, and are currently working to fulfill a 10,000 masks in 10 day request from Vanderbilt. We admire Beth’s deep commitment to the safety and welfare of her fellow Tennesseans! | | | | | | | |  | | | Maine Gun Safety Coalition Webinar on Child Access Prevention On Wednesday, April 15, the Maine Gun Safety Coalition hosted an online forum on gun safety entitled Guns, Kids, and Quarantine. The event focused on the unique threat posed by the COVID-19 crisis in America, during which we have witnessed a dramatic spike in gun sales coupled with the new reality that nearly every child in the country is home all day. The panelists spoke about safe storage methods and the particular danger firearms pose to children of all ages, from accidental discharge and suicide. Maine Gun Safety Coalition, Executive Director Geoff Bickford highlighted the organization's long-standing free trigger lock program, which has distributed more than 25,000 free trigger locks around the state over the past 20 years. Bickford noted that in response to the current crisis, the Coalition will be increasing its promotion of the program through partners in media and law enforcement, and with the assistance of some members of the state legislature. | | | | | | A Public Health Perspective on Racial and Ethnic Disparities and Covid-19 As is the case with gun violence, communities of color are bearing the heaviest burden of the current pandemic. An April 20 letter to Michigan clinicians from the Department of Health and Human Services highlights the racial and ethnic disparities associated with COVID-19. In that state, minority populations are experiencing more cases of COVID-19 and are battling deadlier symptoms; Black Americans represent 30% of all patients- and 40% of all deaths- that is COVID-19-related, but Black Americans make up only 14% of Michigan’s population. The letter cites challenges faced by racial and ethnic minorities that may contribute to these disparities, including crowded living conditions, use of public transit, and working lower-wage jobs. These challenges extend into poorer communities and communities of color nationwide. A National Public Radio study investigating COVID-19 deaths among New York nursing homes found that elderly decedents were more likely to be people of color. Seven out of the 11 nursing homes with the highest number of COVID-19-related deaths reported that 46% or more of these deaths comprised “non-White” people, with most decedents identified as Black and Latinx residents. This report further highlights inequities and disparities in health outcomes for COVID-19 patients. It is essential that these inequities are further investigated and addressed. -Aerielle Matsangos, MHS, Board Member of States United | | | | | | | | #GivingTuesdayNow In response to the unprecedented need among all nonprofit agencies, TUESDAY, MAY 5 has been designated as #GivingTuesdayNow, a special day of giving and unity. States United to Prevent Gun Violence needs you now more than ever to help provide support to the state organizations that are on the front lines responding to the current surges in gun sales, armed protests at state capitals, and heightened rhetoric from gun extremists. States United is happy to report that we have a generous group of donors who will match your #GivingTuesdayNow gift, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $2000. This money will help provide our state affiliates with the technology and infrastructure that they need to continue their critical work. Under the recently passed CARES Act, up to $300 of your donation ($600 for married couples filing jointly) can be deducted from 2020 income, even if you do not itemize deductions! Donate here any time up through the end of the day on Tuesday, May 5. Thank you! | | | | | | | | | | | |
