On Dec. 16, psychologist Robert Kinscherff, PhD, JD, represented APA at a webinar hosted by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence entitled “Data-Driven Solutions to Prevent Gun Suicide.” The event was a part of the organization’s “First 100 Days” webinar series aimed at informing the incoming Biden-Harris administration’s upcoming work to prevent firearms fatalities. It featured a discussion of evidence-based solutions our nation can take to prevent gun suicide amongst diverse populations. In America, 61% of all gun deaths are suicides—more than homicides and unintentional shootings combined. Kinscherff’s remarks centered on the need for multisystem intervention strategies to prevent suicides by firearms and the need for increased data collection. Other panelists participating on the webinar included: Mike Anestis, PhD, executive director of the New Jersey Center on Gun Violence Research and associate professor of urban and global public health at Rutgers University; Ky Hunter, PhD, assistant professor of military and strategic studies at the United States Air Force Academy and co-director of the Athena Leadership Project; and Emmy Betz, MD, MPH, board-certified emergency physician, injury prevention researcher, and associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
For more information, contact Ben Vonachen.