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
Gun Violence Prevention Experts React to Texas School Shooting
Gun violence prevention experts at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions react to news of the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, offering evidence-based policies and practices that are known to reduce mass shootings.
Study Finds Link Between Dropping Permit Requirement for Carrying Concealed Weapons and Increase in Officer-Involved Shootings with Civilian Victims
The study examined the impact of changes to state laws for civilians carrying concealed firearms and, using statistical modeling, estimated what would have happened if the laws had not changed.
New Report Highlights U.S. 2020 Gun-Related Deaths: Highest Number Ever Recorded by CDC, Gun Homicides Increase by More Than One-Third
The 2020 data reveals striking differences across ages, gender, ethnicity, and U.S. states.
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.
New Report Highlights U.S. 2020 Gun-Related Deaths
A new report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions analyzes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention firearm fatality data for 2020—a year that saw the highest number of gun-related deaths ever recorded by the CDC and a sharp increase in gun homicides. Among other things, the report concludes that states with the most robust gun laws have lower gun-related death rates.
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.