Stakeholders Meeting: The Long-Tail Costs of Gun Violence

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, and the IVYY program, Circle of Safety, Morehouse School of Medicine, Mothers Demand Action, 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 experts, survivors, 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 in the field of gun violence prevention and survivor support.
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.

Agenda:

Opening Session

Panel Discussion: Gunshot Survivors’ Experiences

• 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.

Panel Discussion: Family Members of Gunshot Survivors

• 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.

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.

The case for Community Health Workers and Peer Specialists
Natasha Taylor, Deputy Director, Georgia Watch
Gail G. McCray, MA, MCHES Health Educator Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine Morehouse School of Medicine

Reimbursement for Peer Specialists
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.

Employment and Housing
Jihan Johnston-McGlotten, M.Ed., Community Impact Manager, Ghost Gaming/ Nerve Gaming
Danielle Reed, Founder, Accessible Suites