Gun violence and related injuries are a public health crisis. Firearm injury happens in many forms: self-harm, intimate partner violence, unintentional injury, community violence, among others. Pregnant and birthing people, young children, older adults, and their caregivers are often left out of the intervention strategies when it comes to firearm injury prevention. But evidence suggests this needs to change.
- About one-third of American children live in a home with firearms, and of those households, 43% contain at least one unlocked firearm.
- Pregnant women ages 15 through 46 are more than twice as likely as their non-pregnant counterparts to die from a firearm-related injury.
- 46% of U.S. adults over age 50 say they live in a household with a gun.
Our vision is a healthy central and western New York where racial and socioeconomic equity are prioritized so all people can reach their full potential and achieve equitable health outcomes. This includes the ability to be free from gun-related violence.
Imagine Nonviolence
Imagine Nonviolence is a program that supports community-based initiatives to raise awareness of firearm safety, reduce gun violence, and equip community members with needed knowledge, skills, and resources. Launched in April 2024, Imagine Nonviolence is the Health Foundation’s first program that specifically addresses violence or injury related to firearm use, one of many social determinants that can adversely affect a person’s health.
By building community awareness, providing resources, and increasing firearm safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals—particularly young children, older adults with cognitive and/or physical impairments, and those at risk of violence—we aim to create safer, healthier communities.
A two-pronged approach
The first phase of Imagine Nonviolence, Close the Gap, focuses on closing the financial gaps for established programs that receive public funding but lack coverage for certain costs due to funding restrictions. In 2024, seven organizations received grants of $5,000 each, and one organization received a $4,000 grant.
The second phase, Expand the Reach, funds innovative and collaborative programs working to reduce the risk of firearm-related injury and death among pregnant people, children under age 5, and older adults in western and central New York. In 2024, seven organizations received grants of up to $15,000 for new projects and programs.
Designing a program identity
In this series of three short videos, Alexa and Edreys explain what makes a logo effective and how they used specific design elements to communicate the goals of Imagine Nonviolence. They also share why they chose to become involved with the project.