Evaluating the Feasibility of a Novel Firearm Injury Prevention Program for Pre-adolescent Children Through Health Care and Community-Based Partnerships: The Future Healers Program Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Firearm violence is an American public health crisis that negatively impacts children and disproportionately affects Black youth. Few firearm injury prevention programs have been described in pre-adolescent children. The Future Healers Program is a novel collaboration constructed via partnership between the medical school, trauma center, academic surgery department, and local non-profit community organization. Our study sought to evaluate if (1) partnering with community organizations facilitated recruitment of children with prior exposure to firearm violence and (2) the health care community was a potential trusted partner appropriate for program delivery. METHODS: Children aged 4-13 were recruited to join the program via news outlets and social media and in partnership with a local non-profit organization. Of the children and parents participating in the program, 48% (44/92) and 59% (38/64), respectively, completed an IRB-approved survey study. Pearson's chi-square, percentages, and 95% confidence intervals evaluated differences between children and caregivers on sociodemographic characteristics, firearm exposure (FE), firearm violence exposure (FVE), and perception of health care. Participant's residence was geocoded in relationship to incidents of firearm injury (2008-2021) in the same region. RESULTS: Caregivers (95%) and children (84%) reported substantial exposure to firearm violence and resided in areas with frequent firearm injury incidents. Notably, 82% of caregivers and 66% of children reported having a family member injured by gunfire. A high percentage of caregivers (79%) and children (91%) self-reported trust in the health care system. CONCLUSION: Partnerships between community organizations and health care systems can develop prevention programs that effectively recruit and engage pre-adolescent children impacted by firearm violence.

Grow502: Centering Community in Medical Education via a Student-Created Organization Focused on Cultivating a Healthy Community.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disproportionately impact communities of color and expose health inequities. Minoritized communities experience disparities in chronic diseases, premature death, and cancer, and gaps continue to widen; systemic injustice in housing, nutrition, and environment are major contributors. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice movement, students at the University of Louisville School of Medicine created Grow502 to speak truth to the challenges of health disparities in Louisville, Kentucky. The goal was to pursue a healthier community by raising awareness. Community leaders and health professionals provided expert consultation. This partnership led to the co-creation of a curriculum focused on education, advocacy, community engagement, and creative media. Grow502 sought to support communities impacted by injustices due to racism, limited health literacy, redlining, and limited green space by creating programming centered on education and empowerment. Effective strategies to reduce disparities involve creating interventions with authentic engagement and context. Grow502 involves community stakeholders as active partners. We continue to intentionally seek effective collaborations and interventions that merge our mission and our diverse communities impacted by health disparities.