WELCOME TO AFFIRM
We’re the American Foundation for Firearm Injury Reduction in Medicine. Our organization was founded by two emergency physicians - who, like their colleagues, run towards emergencies and not from them. The rate of firearm injury in the United States is increasing, quickly becoming the epidemic of our lifetime.
It’s not a political issue or a criminal justice issue. It’s a health issue.
We are the only non-profit organization wholly dedicated to approaching firearm injury by focusing on community health and education through evidence-based research. We’re gun owners and non-gun owners committed to reducing the rate of firearm injuries and death by 50% in five years.
The Importance of our Work
Since our founding in 2017, AFFIRM enables and funds transformative, high-impact innovations to reduce firearm injury in the United States. AFFIRM has created a coalition of major US healthcare leadership organizations, representing over two-thirds of American physicians. We create unique spaces for productive dialogue between gun-owners and non-gun owners, with the shared goal of safety and reduced rates of firearm injuries and deaths.
39,740
fatalities due to firearms in 2018
COVID-19 is only exacerbating the rate of firearm injury. The current crisis has increased many known risk factors associated with gun violence, and increased the opportunity for violence, gripping protests across many cities and communities.
91%
Increase in handgun sales
In March 2020, compared to March 2019, the research firm Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) estimated a 91% increase in handgun sales between the same two months. An increasing number of guns in circulation at a time of high stress will have unintended consequences.
22x
Increased rate of firearm suicide
Persons who purchase handguns have a 22-fold higher rate of firearm-related suicide within the first year than those who did not buy a firearm. With the recent spike in gun sales and COVID-19, the next question is, will there be a spike in suicides next?
Our Work
AFFIRM is focused on addressing the underlying issues of violence, rooted in disparities of the social determinants of health in America today, including evaluating socio-economic factors, education levels, and access to healthcare and advancement opportunities.
RETHINK
grants & Shark Tank
A public health issue as complex as firearm injury requires the leadership of innovators and risk-takers. AFFIRM is launching a "shark-tank" inspired competition, moderated by a panel of expert physicians, to bring together the best researchers in matters of public health to provide real, evidence-based solutions.
REFRAME
Community education and outreach
Reframe events are a practical way to both create and translate scientific research into local communities, reframing the conversation around firearm injury and are an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences, develop a shared sense of purpose.
RESOLVE
Medical Curriculum Standards
AFFIRM is creating standards, safe practice, and permanent change based on the learnings of seed-funded ideas and community-based structured dialogues. These standards likely include gun owner-focused protocols for safe firearm access, carrying, use, education, and effective interventions for both healthcare professionals and bystanders.
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From our founders
The problem of firearm injury is more than bullet holes. We, as emergency physicians, know how deep this problem runs -
but more importantly, we know it doesn't have to be this way.
Christopher Barsotti, MD, FACEP, FAAEM - Chief Executive Officer
Megan Ranney, MD, MPH, FACEP - Chief Research Officer
Get Involved
Now more than ever, our work is critical to our communities’ health and safety, and we can’t do it alone. Join us, and together, we’ll #StandAFFIRM.
Invest in a solution
It is only through the generous support of our donors that we can continue our work. No donation is too small. We recognize the uncertainty of these times, but remain steadfast to our mission of reducing firearm injury and death in the United States and appreciate your support.
educating yourself and others
Firearm injury is a difficult to discuss, but a critical topic to understand. Phrases like “gun violence” and “firearm injury” can be polarizing, but it's essential to reframe this issue as a public health crisis, and not a political or criminal justice issue. We have resources for you!
EXPLORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.
We know that we can't do this alone, and we rely on our network of volunteers to further our mission. We have opportunities in a variety of areas and would love to learn about your interests, how firearm injury has impacted your life, and why you want to #StandAFFIRM.
Social Feeds
Be sure to follow us for important updates and news. Tag your photos and posts with #StandAFFIRM so we don’t miss you!
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RT @DrSJGarner: @ResearchAFFIRM is hiring a Public Health Specialist. Check out the job description and apply to be a team member… https://t.co/EOhu6EqNtm -
RT @DrSJGarner: @ResearchAFFIRM is hiring a Program Manager. See the job description and apply to be apart of the greatest team w… https://t.co/dCbamk82HR
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RT @meganranney: “Most potential attackers displayed concerning, observable behavior while developing the attack, showing a list of… https://t.co/fzYd7DLm4f