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PROFESSIONALS’ INSIGHT
Specialists from the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention are ready to engage in discussions about various dimensions of the mass shooting in Michigan, covering topics such as firearm injury prevention, public legislation, and the psychological impact of traumatic experiences on youth.
Justin Heinze serves as an associate professor focusing on health behavior and health equity at the School of Public Health. He co-directs the National Center for School Safety and heads the school safety division at the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention.
“In light of yet another devastating event, we must redirect our focus toward prevention while reflecting on the healing process,” he stated. “Over the last ten years, we have observed a rise in both the frequency and seriousness of these unfortunate events, each leaving profound effects on families and communities. Such tragedies emphasize the critical need to tackle firearm injury issues with comprehensive data-informed strategies, particularly those aimed at averting these catastrophic occurrences in the first place.”
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April Zeoli holds the position of associate professor of health management policy and is a faculty member at the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. Her primary research areas include the prevention of firearm-related violence, domestic violence, and homicide through legislative and policy measures. She leads the largest comprehensive study of extreme risk protection orders to date, encompassing around 7,000 cases from six states.
“We discovered that about 10% of petitions for extreme risk protection orders were initiated due to threats to shoot at least three individuals,” she remarked. “By ensuring that those making such threats are denied access to firearms, we may succeed in preventing mass shootings.”
To assist the community in grasping the recent legislation regarding extreme risk protection orders in Michigan, the institute has introduced the ERPO toolkit. This resource provides information on filing an ERPO, steps to take if you receive one, how to enact the policies, and more.
“Studies have indicated that well-executed firearm policies rooted in evidence-based risk factors can effectively lower all forms of firearm injury,” Zeoli noted. “Nonetheless, there exists a patchwork of firearm regulations across the United States, with some states implementing evidence-based policies while others do not. Consequently, the protection level available to citizens against gun violence may be partially determined by their state of residence.”
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Elyse Thulin is a research assistant professor at the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. Her investigations aim to identify the factors that raise the risk of firearm-related injuries among adolescents and young adults, variations concerning intent, gender, and rurality, as well as how technology and online platforms may either exacerbate or help mitigate the risk of harm. Her projects include assessing student-submitted reports to a statewide anonymous reporting system funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We must persist in prioritizing firearm injury prevention by pinpointing the key components underlying this public health crisis and developing and applying evidence-based solutions,” she commented. “One particularly effective strategy we have noted involves technology-based interventions, such as anonymous reporting systems. These systems can direct resources to those in need and avert escalation towards a more severe crisis by offering a platform for individuals to relay information without fear of reprisal.”
“Our focus should remain on achieving our shared objectives of reducing firearm deaths and injuries. Through technology-driven measures like confidential or anonymous reporting systems, we can identify early indicators. These approaches are vital when discussing solutions to this avoidable societal issue.”
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Rebeccah Sokol, an assistant professor of social work and faculty member at the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, examines youth exposure to trauma. A recurring theme in her research involves characterizing risks and identifying causative factors for youth exposure to firearm violence across various populations, ultimately striving to improve interventions and policies for firearm injury and violence prevention.
“In the aftermath of tragic events such as mass shootings, we must concentrate on how we can support the youth in our communities, providing them with stability and structure and ensuring open lines of communication,” she stated. “By guaranteeing that young individuals have a secure and trusted environment to check in, we communicate to them that they can approach us whenever they feel ready. Knowing there is someone available to them consistently is essential.”
“Every individual reacts to trauma differently; thus, recognizing where the individual or community stands and adjusting support and resources accordingly is crucial. Whether it involves parents at home, school communities, or healthcare providers, avenues for dialogue should be accessible and periodically facilitated.”
Contact: [email protected]
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