Center for Gun Violence Solutions
We conduct rigorous research and use advocacy to implement evidence-based, equitable policies and programs that will prevent gun violence in our communities.
Headlines
Cassandra Crifasi Named New Co-Director of Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions at Critical Time in U.S. Gun Policymaking
Crifasi, a well-known expert on firearm purchaser permits, safe firearm storage, and public opinion on gun ownership, will co-direct with Josh Horwitz starting Jan. 1.
New Analysis: Guns Drove the Increases in Homicides and Suicides from 2019 to 2021
Recently released provisional CDC data also finds worsening racial disparities in gun homicide and gun suicide.
Study Finds Significant Increase in Firearm Assaults in States that Relaxed Conceal Carry Permit Restrictions
Analysis also reveals that some conceal carry provisions, like prohibiting those convicted of violent misdemeanors from obtaining a permit, reduced risks linked to civilian gun carrying
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Appoints Josh Horwitz New Professor of the Practice in Gun Violence Prevention and Advocacy
Horwitz also serves as co-director of the Center for Gun Violence Solutions and teaches public health advocacy courses at the Bloomberg School.
Reflecting on the Path Forward After Historic Movement on Both Sides of Gun Violence Prevention
The landscape for gun violence prevention researchers and advocates was significantly altered this summer. What’s next?
A New National Survey Finds Broad Public Support for Police Reform Proposals and Gun Violence Prevention in U.S.
The survey found higher support among Black Americans compared to white Americans
Who We Are
The Center for Gun Violence Solutions combines the expertise of the country’s most respected gun violence researchers with the skills of the nation’s most experienced gun violence prevention advocates. We develop and apply scientific research to identify a range of innovative gun violence solutions and to advocate for systemic changes. This combination creates a unique opportunity to turn public health research into policy action that reduces all forms of gun violence and saves lives.
Public Health Approach to Gun Violence
A public health approach to prevent gun violence addresses both firearm access and the factors that contribute to and protect from gun violence. This multidisciplinary approach brings together a range of experts across sectors—including researchers, advocates, legislators, impacted communities, community-based organizations, and others—in a common effort to develop and implement equitable, evidence-based solutions.
Our Work in Practice
Our team synthesizes and applies the best available scientific evidence in conjunction with input from communities impacted by different forms of violence to develop policy and program recommendations to address gun violence. We inform relevant stakeholders of these recommendations by developing educational materials, including reports and issue briefs, conducting public forums, and submitting expert testimony. Learn more about our Solutions.
Virtual Briefing: Responding to Gun Violence with Effective and Fair Solutions
On June 2, 2022, Johns Hopkins University hosted a live, virtual briefing on responses to the crisis of gun violence featuring a panel of faculty experts
Firearm Basics
In order to have productive conversations about firearms and firearm policies, it is imperative to understand the basics of firearms—How do they work? What are the different parts called? How are they used? This simple but comprehensive tool can help everyone understand the different parts of a firearm and lead to more productive conversations about gun violence prevention.
To learn more about evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence, enroll in our free and open online course Reducing Violence in America: Evidence for Change.
Our Leadership
Josh Horwitz, JD, works to reduce gun violence by utilizing public health research and health equity analysis to build advocacy campaigns that meet critical opportunities in the policy development process.
Daniel Webster, ScD '91, MPH, studies policies and programs intended to reduce gun violence and teaches public health approaches to violence prevention.
Cassandra Crifasi, PhD '14, MPH, studies how evidence-based policies and programs can reduce violence and advance equity.
Odis Johnson, PhD
Bloomberg Distinguished Professor
Odis Johnson, PhD, Core Faculty Member, studies social policy and data science with racial equity and justice for young people in focus.