The Long-tail Costs of Gun Violence

The Long-tail Costs of Gun Violence

Join us at Tools for Life for an eye-opening event discussing the long-term impacts of gun violence. We'll delve into the hidden costs that affect individuals, families, and communities. Learn from survivors with disabilities, family members and experts in the field and engage in meaningful discussions on how we can address these challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and be part of the solution.

Rationale:

Gun violence is a pressing issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across the nation. The long-term costs associated with gun violence, both financial and emotional, are often overlooked. To address this critical topic, United Spinal Association of Georgia is bringing together stakeholders including Emory University, Grady Hospital, the IVYY Program, Circle of Safety, Morehouse School of Medicine, Moms Demand Action, Shepherd Center, and Paralyzed from Violence to address the long-tail costs of gun violence. This meeting aims to explore the comprehensive impact of gun violence, shed light on the long-term consequences for survivors, and discuss potential solutions to mitigate these costs.

Purpose:

The purpose of the meeting is to bring together survivors, experts, policymakers, and community members to engage in a meaningful dialogue surrounding the long-term costs of gun violence. By examining the financial, physical, and emotional burdens faced by survivors and their families, we aim to raise awareness, promote understanding, and inspire concrete actions to address this issue effectively.

Objectives:

1. Provide a platform for survivors of gun violence, including family members and caregivers, to share their experiences and perspectives.

2. Facilitate discussions about the long-term costs of care for survivors, with a specific focus on spinal cord injuries.

3. Explore the potential for policy changes and new legislation to support reimbursement for peer specialists for survivors of trauma including survivors of gun violence.

4. Foster collaboration and networking opportunities among stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community organizations.

5. Generate actionable recommendations to reduce the long-term costs associated with gun violence and enhance support services for survivors and their families.

Planned Meeting Components:

Opening - Greg Jackson (not confirmed) - Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Prevention

1. Panel Discussion: Gunshot Survivors' Experiences

Eddie Smith, Founder, Paralyzed from Violence; April W. Ross, Esq., M.B.A., Executive Director, Georgia Commission on Family Violence; Quareze Seals, Founder, Paralyzed x Feelings; Rahsaan (Shine) Wise, Janet Paulsen

- Engage a diverse panel of gun violence survivors to share their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs.

- Explore the long-term physical, psychological, and financial impacts of gun violence.

- Discuss strategies for building resilience and providing comprehensive support for survivors.

2. Panel Discussion: Family Members of Gunshot Survivors

Diana Gregory, Chapter Leader - GEORGIA, Moms Demand Action; Eddie Smith’s Mother; TBD

- Hear from family members who have been directly affected by gun violence.

- Examine the ripple effects on families, including emotional trauma and financial burdens.

- Discuss ways to strengthen support systems for families impacted by gun violence.

3. Presentation: Long-Term Costs of Care for Survivors with Spinal Cord Injuries

Kelley Simoneaux, The Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm

- Highlight the unique challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries resulting from gun violence.

- Explore innovative approaches to addressing the long-term medical, rehabilitation, and psychological costs.

4. The case for Community Health Workers (CHW) and Peer Specialists

Natasha Taylor, Deputy Director, Georgia Watch

TBD, Shepherd Center

Gail G. McCray, MA, MCHES Health Educator Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine Morehouse School of Medicine

5. Discussion: Reimbursement for Peer Specialists by Dr. Jasmine Clark

- Dr. Jasmine Clark, State Representative for GA-HD108, will present on the importance of peer specialists in supporting survivors.

- Discuss the current barriers to reimbursement for CHW and peer specialist services.

- Explore potential policy changes or legislation that can enhance reimbursement and support the vital role of CHW peer specialists in survivor care.

Facilitated discussions among various stakeholders groups by breakout tables.

By hosting this stakeholders meeting, we aim to foster collaboration, raise awareness, and inspire actionable solutions to address the long-tail costs of gun violence. We believe that by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we can make a significant impact in supporting survivors and preventing future gun violence incidents.

Host or Publisher United Spinal Association of Georgia