A Call to Action: Tackling Gun Violence as a Community
By Jeff Smythe , Executive Director of ARCHI
In 2021, more than 48,000 people lost their lives to gun violence in the United States. Here in Metro Atlanta, 78% of gun violence victims treated at Grady Hospital are young men aged 14 to 34 — sons, brothers, and fathers whose lives are cut short or irrevocably altered. For young Black males, the risk is even greater with rates of firearm-related injuries and deaths far exceeding those of other demographic groups.
But gun violence is more than a series of tragic headlines — it is a devastating reality that shatters families and communities daily, including here in Metro Atlanta. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community left to deal with the lasting trauma and impact. It is not just a criminal issue; it is a public health crisis that disproportionately impacts young Black men, leaving scars beyond the physical wounds. At ARCHI, we see this crisis as a call to action—a call to come together as a community to address not just the symptoms, but the root causes of this violence.
The Power of Collaboration
Last week, ARCHI brought together a remarkable group of partners to discuss the urgent issue of gun violence in our city. The event, "Understanding Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis," was a gathering of hearts, united in a common cause. The stories shared that day were raw, emotional, and deeply personal, underscoring the urgent need for a collective response.
I will never forget the story shared by Dr. Randi Smith, a trauma surgeon at Grady Health System and Founder of Interrupting Violence in Youth and Young Adults (IVYY) Unit. She spoke of the specific cry — a heart-wrenching sound — that comes from a mother when she learns her child has been shot. It is a sound that pierces the soul, one that no parent should ever have to make. Yet, this cry is all too common.?
One of the most powerful themes that emerged from our event was the importance of collaboration. Gun violence is a complex problem, and no single organization or sector can solve it alone. It requires health care providers, community leaders, advocates, policymakers, and everyday citizens to work together. As Shanard Linsey, a violence interruption supervisor at Cure Violence and an ARCHI community of practice advisor, so wisely put it, “Community engagement is key. We need to meet people where they are, understand their needs, and support them in making choices that lead to safer, healthier lives.”
As Dr. Charles Moore of the Emory Urban Health Initiative pointed out, “To truly make a difference, we must address the root causes of violence — education, housing, and economic opportunities — because health outcomes are deeply connected to these social determinants.” These words resonate deeply with our mission at ARCHI — to invert the burden from those most marginalized from good health. We know that to heal our communities, we must tackle the underlying issues that contribute to the cycle of violence, as well as to health outcomes in general.?
This is at the heart of ARCHI’s approach. Our work is data-driven, health-focused, and people-centered. We believe that by aligning our resources, expertise, and compassion, we can create a coordinated system of care that not only addresses the immediate needs of those affected by gun violence but also works to prevent it from happening in the first place. This is why coalition-building is crucial. By bringing together different perspectives and areas of expertise, we amplify our impact and move closer to a future where our communities are not defined by violence but by health, safety, and opportunity.
领英推荐
The Path Forward
The fight against gun violence is not an easy one, but it is a fight we can undertake together. The conversations we had this month were just the beginning. We heard from experts like Dr. Mike Greenwald, a pediatric emergency physician, who reminded us that “It’s not enough to treat the wounds — we need to prevent them.” We listened to community leaders like Lissie Stahlman, who spoke passionately about the need for voices that amplify the voices of those most affected by violence, pushing for policy and solutions that will protect our communities.
At ARCHI, we are committed to continuing this work. We will support initiatives that address the root causes of gun violence and promote health equity across our region. We will continue to convene and collaborate, knowing that our strength lies in our ability to come together as a community. We will also continue to illuminate collaborations such as the Circle of Safety at the Interrupting Violence in Youth and Young Adults project where those impacted and concerned can come together. This is not just about reducing statistics — it is about saving lives, healing wounds, and building a future where everyone in Metro Atlanta can thrive.
A Call to Our Community
In the words of Dr. Randi Smith, “Gun violence is not just a criminal issue; it’s a public health crisis that affects us all.” And it’s a crisis that we, as a community, have the power to end. As we move forward, I ask each of you to join us — to invert the very pressing burden of gun violence in Atlanta. Whether it is through advocacy, community engagement or simply by opening your heart to the stories of those affected by gun violence, your involvement matters. The path to a safer, healthier Atlanta is one we must walk together.
Let’s work together to ensure that no more mothers face that devastating cry. Let’s build a community where children can grow up safe, where health and opportunity are within reach for everyone.
This is our moment to make a difference. Join us.
Jeff Smythe Executive Director, ARCHI (The Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement)
Data Source:?