Addressing Gun Violence
Research at PCOM
Gun violence touches people and communities across the country. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared gun violence a national public health crisis with calls to increase prevention, surveillance, support, and treatment for individuals,
families and communities affected by gun violence.
PCOM research is focused on understanding the prevalence of gun violence, improving
clinician-patient communications and increasing awareness of community resources.
PCOM Holistic Approach to Address Gun Violence
The Holistic Approach to Address Gun Violence (HAAGV) special interest group at PCOM
focuses on four areas:
- Community outreach: The families and communities served by our urban, suburban and rural campuses in
Philadelphia, PA; Suwanee, GA; and Moultrie, GA, respectively, are all exposed to gun violence in various forms.
- Advocacy: PCOM students are passionate. Using their energy, PCOM is well-positioned to advocate
for anti-gun violence legislation and practices.
- Healthcare delivery: Processes would be established to screen and refer patients and families from our
healthcare centers affected by gun violence to PCOM’s behavioral and mental health practitioners.
- Research: PCOM is positioned to conduct meaningful research, on its own and in collaboration
with other organizations.
PCOM is well-suited to address the devastating impact of gun impact through its healthcare
centers, behavioral and mental health services, educators, researchers, students,
and a deeply rooted commitment to supporting families and communities.
Gun Violence Research at PCOM
Gun violence is now the number one cause of death in children and young adults according
to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Causes of death by gun violence included suicides by gun injury, homicides, mass
shootings, law enforcement confrontations, and accidental shootings. PCOM is conducting
research to mitigate the impact of this public health crisis through a holistic and
multifaceted approach. Specific initiatives include:
Feasibility Study: Gun Violence Education Program
Researchers in this quality improvement study at two urban healthcare centers in Philadelphia—Lancaster Avenue and Cambria Division—investigated an educational program designed to help clinicians confer with their
patients about gun violence, prevention, and available resources for support and treatment.
Lead Investigator
Erik Langenau, DO, MS, MAPP
Research Team
- Michael Roberts, PsyD
- Alexa Kaminsky (DO ‘27)
- Shannon Kelly (PsyD ‘27)
Objectives and Components
- Quality Improvement Study:
- Investigated an educational program for clinicians to discuss gun violence, prevention,
and support resources with patients
- Conducted at two urban healthcare centers in Philadelphia
- Completed in May 2024
- Poster Presentation:
- Presented at PCOM Annual Research Day on May 1, 2024
- Titled: "Preliminary Investigation: Clinician-directed educational program on gun
violence, prevention and available community resources in two community health centers
in North and West Philadelphia"
- Presenter: Alexa Kaminsky (OMS2)
- Community-Based Research Faculty Fellowship:
- Evaluated the effectiveness of a physician-directed training program on patient reports
of gun violence discussions
- Completed on May 1, 2024
Current Status
The project has completed its initial phases, including the quality improvement study,
poster presentation, and fellowship evaluation. A manuscript titled "Feasibility study:
Investigation of the impact of a clinician-directed educational program about gun
violence, prevention and available community resources in two community urban healthcare
centers" is currently in progress, led by Dr. Erik Langenau with team members Alexa
Kaminsky and Dr. Michael Roberts.
POMA Foundation Grant Application
- Author: Erik Langenau, DO, MS, MAPP
- Collaborator: Flo Byrams
- Title: "A Community-Centered Approach to Gun Violence: Establishing a Network and
Leveraging Local Resources"
- Purpose: To support a resource navigator and community outreach at Lancaster Avenue
Division.
- Status: Completed September 5, 2024
PCOM’s Holistic Approach to Addressing Gun VIolence (HAAGV) Special Interest Group
is examining gun violence in Philadelphia communities under the leadership of Erik
Langenau, DO, MS, MAPP.
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Faculty Researchers
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Research at PCOM
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational,
clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.