Myth: The only solution to gun violence is legislation.
Reality: Addressing gun violence requires a multi-faceted approach that extends beyond legislation alone.
While legislation does play an important role in reducing gun violence, it alone is not enough. Let's uncover the broader aspects that contribute to a safer society:
Allow us to shed light on other solutions:
Education and Awareness
At Whitney/Strong, we believe that education and awareness are crucial in preventing gun violence and saving lives. That's why our Save A Life program focuses on providing evidence-based prevention trainings (firearm safety, STOP THE BLEED®, and suicide prevention) to communities most affected by gun violence. Through these trainings, we equip individuals with essential knowledge, skills, and resources to increase community safety now.
Mental Health Support
Strong mental health systems can help reduce firearm suicide and other forms of gun violence. This is why our Save A Life program incorporates suicide prevention curricula, promotes mental health literacy, destigmatizes seeking help, and educates community members of local mental health resources. Additionally, through our advocacy efforts we champion affordable mental health services so that more people can benefit from the support of mental health professionals. By integrating mental health support into within our programming, we can accelerate change.
Community Engagement
Building strong and interconnected communities is a core focus of our Save A Life program. We understand that listening, fostering dialogue, partnering to promote community engagement, and addressing root causes of violence are essential in creating safer environments. Through our trainings, we empower community members to actively engage in violence prevention efforts, working together to support one another and create a sense of safety. By strengthening community ties, we can make a lasting impact.
Research and Innovation
Research plays a pivotal role in understanding gun violence and developing effective prevention strategies and this issue has been historically underfunded. At Whitney/Strong, we are committed to investing in research and supporting innovative solutions. Our Save A Life program is informed by evidence-based interventions and tools that have proven to be successful in reducing gun violence and saving lives. By continuously seeking new insights, improving outcomes, and staying at the forefront of research, we can evolve our program and contribute to the ongoing fight against gun violence.
As you can see, our multi-faceted approach comes to life through our Save A Life programming and research projects. We encourage you to rethink this myth and to encourage others within your circle to do the same. Thank you for supporting our comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence through education, research, and legislation.