News & Events

FIPP Tip 2 June 2026

Friday, June 19, 2026

ASK Day 

Summer is a season when children often spend more time visiting friends and extended family.

ASK Day, which takes place on June 21, the start of summer, marks a national effort to encourage caregivers to ask about firearms in the spaces where their children spend time outside of the home.

Visit Brady United’s ASK to End Family Fire | Brady United) website to learn more about why asking matters. The following handout also has helpful tips and conversation starters that you can practice:  Asking-About-Secure-Gun-Storage.pdf  (a Spanish version is also available: Asking About Secure Gun Storage_Spanish.docx).

Asking can feel awkward at first, but it gets easier the more you do it. You can also encourage caregivers with whom you work to ask and can role-play with them how best to approach the conversation.

Just a reminder, the FIPP Team has free cable gun locks available for distribution to your patients.  If you are interested, and you have completed our Firearm Injury Prevention training, please have your clinic leader reach out to us at Preventing_Firearm_Injury@urmc.rochester.edu

If you are interested in a training or presentation, please visit our website and fill out the Request a Training or Presentation form.

Monroe County Launches Violence Prevention Training Center

Thursday, June 11, 2026

The Monroe County Department of Public Health and Cure Violence Global have partnered to establish the Monroe County Violence Prevention Training Center. This initiative aims to build a strong, community-rooted effort to prevent violence and support healing across our community.

The center offers free training programs designed to equip participants with practical skills and real-world experience in violence interruption and response. These trainings are open to all community members, including outreach workers, anti-violence agency staff, medical providers, caregivers, clergy, school faculty, and concerned residents. Sessions are scheduled through October 2026.

For more detailed information on course descriptions, upcoming dates, and registration, please visit https://www.monroecounty.gov/health-violence-prevention.

FIPP Joins "Go Orange" Rally for Gun Violence Prevention

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Our Firearm Injury Prevention Program (FIPP) co-director, Dr. Jennifer West, alongside Dr. Crystal Craig from the URMC Department of Pediatrics, recently attended the "Go Orange" #EndGunViolence Rally in Rochester on  Friday, June 5.

They joined various community organizations dedicated to enhancing safety and provided valuable resources and information on secure firearm storage, including cable gun locks. Their conversations with community members underscored the critical role secure storage plays in preventing unintentional injuries, fatalities, and firearm theft within our community. This initiative is a vital step in our collective efforts toward a safer environment.

Our Teams Go Orange: Psychiatry and Community Health & Prevention Champion Gun Violence Prevention

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

On June 5, in honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month, psychiatry staff from 10 inpatient and outpatient clinics and staff from the Center for Community Health & Prevention proudly donned bright orange t-shirts for the annual  Golisano Children’s Hospital “Wear Orange to End Gun Violence” event. The vibrant hue stands as a reminder of the value we place on every life and our shared commitment to creating safer communities.

The event highlighted crucial efforts in firearm injury prevention, bringing together key community organizations dedicated to safety and well-being. The Firearm Injury Prevention program was on hand, providing vital resources and information on secure firearm storage. This initiative is essential for preventing unintentional injuries, fatalities, and firearm theft within our community.

We were also privileged to host representatives from several impactful organizations:

• Pathways to Peace: Shared valuable insights into their violence prevention and intervention strategies.

• 585 SNUG: Discussed their critical work in interrupting cycles of violence.

• Rise Up Rochester: Provided information on their community-focused violence prevention efforts.

• Moms Demand Action: Offered details on their advocacy work aimed at preventing gun violence through policy and awareness.   

This collaborative effort underscores our shared commitment to fostering a safer environment for everyone.

Click here to see pictures from the event.

Go Orange to End Gun Violence Event

Monday, June 1, 2026

Join the "Go Orange" #EndGunViolence Rally in Rochester!

Rochester, NY – Mark your calendars for a powerful community gathering focused on promoting gun safety, honoring survivors, and advocating for violence prevention. The "Go Orange" #EndGunViolence Rally is a collaborative, city-sanctioned event designed to bring our community together for a vital cause.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Location: Parcel 5 (285 E. Main St., Rochester, NY 14604)

What to Expect:

This family-friendly event offers a positive and unified space for all ages, featuring:

• Live Entertainment: Enjoy music, engaging performances, and games for the whole family.
• Food & Refreshments: Savor free community barbecue items and explore offerings from local food vendors.
• Community Resources: Connect with local healthcare networks and safety coalitions at their information booths, including the UR Medicine Firearm Injury Prevention Program.
• The Gun Violence Pledge: Make your commitment visible by signing a large public banner, pledging to actively build peace and reduce violence in our city.

Our Collaborative Partners:

This important event is made possible through the dedication of local advocates, emergency services, and health networks, including:

• Firearm Injury Prevention Program / UR Medicine
• Monroe County Department of Public Health
• Rise Up Rochester
• Golisano Children's Hospital / UR Medicine
• ROC the Peace & 585 SNUG

Why Orange?

The choice of orange for this movement is deeply symbolic. Originating from a national initiative to honor gun violence victims, orange is traditionally worn by hunters to signal safety and visual awareness. In this context, it serves as a vivid demand for community protection and a clear declaration that the crisis of gun violence cannot be ignored.

We look forward to seeing you there as we stand together for a safer Rochester.

Golisano Children's Hospital Holds Annual Wear Orange to End Gun Violence Event

Monday, June 1, 2026

Join Us to Wear Orange and Stand Against Gun Violence!

The Firearm Injury Prevention Program invites you to participate in the annual Golisano Children's Hospital Wear Orange to End Gun Violence event. This important gathering will take place on Friday, June 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Strong Memorial Lobby.

This event is a key part of Gun Violence Awareness Month, observed every June, where the color orange symbolizes the profound value of human life and our shared commitment to safety.

We are proud to host several vital community partners dedicated to violence prevention and intervention. Representatives from Pathways to Peace, 585 SNUG, and Rise Up Rochester will be on hand to share insights into their crucial work and answer your questions. Additionally, Moms Demand Action will be present to provide information on advocacy efforts aimed at preventing gun violence.

Come learn more, show your support, and connect with organizations making a real difference in our community.

FIPP Tip June 2026

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Wear Orange Weekend

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month (GVAM), a time to honor victims and survivors of firearm violence and to unite our community in prevention efforts. 

The centerpiece of GVAM?

Wear Orange Weekend

Why Wear Orange?
The bright hue symbolizes the value of human life and our collective commitment to safety.
Learn how it all began—check out the origin story here.

Mark Your Calendars – Friday, June 5

Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Wear Orange to End Gun Violence
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Strong Memorial Hospital Lobby
Note: Let’s turn our clinics and units into a sea of orange!

No T-shirt? Orange socks, earrings, pants, or hats work just as well.

Go Orange Event
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Parcel 5, Downtown Rochester

How You Can Get Involved

1. Wear something orange on June 5 - any item, big or small
2. Invite a colleague to join you
3. Spread the word on your team channels
4. Take pictures of your team in orange

Thank you for helping us shine a spotlight on this important cause.

We look forward to seeing you in orange!

Don’t forget, the FIPP website (fipp.urmc.edu) provides a wealth of helpful, secure firearm storage resources and information. Check it out!

Lastly, we have free cable gun locks available for distribution to your patients.  If you are interested and have completed our Firearm Injury Prevention training,

please have your clinic leader contact us.

FIPP and PBH&W Attend Community Baby Shower Event

Thursday, May 7, 2026

FIPP’s Dr. Jennifer West and Meagan Holliday from Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness attended the 5^th Annual Community Baby Shower on Sunday, May 3, 2026. They shared resources and handouts about the 

secure firearm storage to prevent unintentional injury, suicide, and firearm theft, including free cable gun locks. 

“The Community Baby Shower. . . was a huge success," says Jennifer West, PhD, Co-Director of FIPP, "we provided a lot of information and had great conversations with expectant and new parents.”

FIPP Tip May 2026

Friday, May 1, 2026

National Mental Health Awareness Month: A Reminder About Secure Firearm Storage

As we recognize National Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it’s vital to remember that patients with poor mental health are at increased risk for suicide, and over half of the more than 49,000 suicides in 2023 involved a firearm (CDC). Older adults (85+) had the highest suicide rates last year (April is also Older Americans Month) and have high rates of gun ownership.

Why This Matters

• 90% of suicide attempts using a firearm result in death (Everytown).

• Secure storage (locked, unloaded, separate from ammunition) can give those in crisis crucial time and deter impulsive actions.

How You Can Help

• Ask directly about firearm access during mental health screenings.

• Counsel patients and families on using gun locks, safes, or temporary off-site storage.

• Provide local resources for secure storage options (e.g., law enforcement drop-boxes, community lock-loan programs).

• Provide suicide prevention and crisis hotline resources (e.g., 988, 211).

By integrating these conversations into routine care, you use some of the most powerful tools available to prevent suicide.

Visit our website’s resource page for more information on secure firearm storage and how to have effective conversations with patients.

Remember, the FIPP Team has free cable gun locks available for distribution to your patients. If you are interested and have completed our Firearm Injury Prevention training, please have your clinic leader contact us.

Community Baby Shower Event to Take Place Sunday, May 3

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

FIPP’s Dr. Jennifer West will be attending Senator Samra Brouk’s 5^th Annual Community Baby Shower. The event will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Avenue, Rochester, NY, and is focused on improving maternal and child health. 

Dr. West will be sharing resources and handouts about the importance of secure firearm storage to prevent unintentional injury, suicide, and firearm theft, including free cable gun locks. For more information about the event, call Senator Brouk’s local office at (585) 223-1800.

Wear Orange Day

Thursday, April 23, 2026

We're excited to be participating in Golisano Children's Hospital's 2026 Wear Orange Weekend! On 6/5, you may see staff in our clinics wearing orange to honor those impacted by gun violence while also raising awareness of ways we all can commit to a future free of firearm injury.

GCH is also hosting a t-shirt sale for those who would like to join in on this day! All proceeds will go towards Everytown for Gun Safety.

Promoting Wellness and Safety: Dr. Jennifer West at the Black Family Wellness Expo

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, Dr. Jennifer West, Co-Director of FIPP, participated in the Rochester (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated's Fourth Annual Black Family Wellness Expo (BFWE). Dr. West shared crucial information on the secure storage of firearms to prevent related harms, such as suicide, unintentional injuries, and the theft of firearms used in crimes.

The Links, Incorporated, an international non-profit organization established in 1946, is dedicated to the cultural, civic, and economic advancement of African Americans and others of African ancestry. For over 40 years, members of its Rochester (NY) Chapter have served as philanthropists and decision-makers, working to improve the Rochester Community.

The annual Black Family Wellness Expo, a nationwide initiative launched four years prior, aims to provide vital information for all family members—from infants to seniors—to live healthier, happier lives. The organization's successful inaugural multi-city launch in 2023 marked the first time chapters collaborated coast-to-coast to address various health disparities and general wellness in a singular, one-day event.

This year's expo focused on a range of important topics, including:

• Disease screenings (e.g., Sickle Cell, Chronic Kidney Disease)
• Women’s Maternal and Children’s Health
• Vaccinations
• Substance abuse prevention
• "Link Up the Vote" initiatives
• Financial wellness
• Mental health for children and adults
• Caregiver resources

Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, Featured in Center for Community Health & Prevention

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Gun violence has been declared a national public health crisis, with profound long-term impacts on communities. Discover how FIPP's Co-Director, Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, is leading an innovative intergenerational mentoring program to foster social connections and disrupt cycles of violence, aiming to improve community well-being.

Read the full article on the Community Health & Prevention: Office of Equity website.  

FIPP Tip February 2026

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Announcing a New Firearm Injury Prevention Brochure

We're excited to share that the new Spanish-language brochure, Firearm Injury Prevention for Older Adults, is now available!

This brochure was developed by Jordan Kocon, a 2024-25 doctoral psychology intern, as part of his leadership project with the FIPP team. It was created in collaboration with Spanish-speaking mental health professionals and members of the Hispanic community in Rochester. The project was also presented by FIPP Co-Director Jennifer West, PhD, at the National Research Conference on Firearm Related Harms in Phoenix, and audience members provided positive and helpful feedback.

This resource aims to educate not only older adults, but all members of the family, on the critical importance of secure firearm storage to prevent injury and death. It includes background information about specific risk factors for firearm-related injury for adults and tips for how to have conversations about this topic.

A PDF version is attached for your review. If you have patients who could benefit from this information, please contact Kelly at Preventing_Firearm_Injury@urmc.rochester.edu. Please provide your intra-office address so she can arrange delivery within URMC.

Don’t forget, the FIPP website (fipp.urmc.edu) provides a wealth of helpful, secure firearm storage resources and information. Check it out!

Lastly, we have free cable gun locks available for distribution to your patients.  If you are interested and have completed our Firearm Injury Prevention training, please have your clinic leader contact us.

Firearm Injury Prevention Training Provided for Psychiatry Residents

Friday, January 30, 2026

On Wednesday, January 28, FIPP Co-directors, Jennifer West, PhD, and Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, presented Firearm Injury Prevention for Health Care Providers training to Department of Psychiatry Residents. The presentation taught participants the role secure firearm storage plays in preventing suicide, unintentional injury, and death; how to identify the different types of secure firearm storage, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each; and how to have productive conversations with their patients (and their families) about the importance of secure firearm storage.

If you are interested in having Dr. West and Ms. Nichols-Hadeed present to your clinic or team about firearm injury prevention, please visit our website and complete the presentation request form.

FIPP Tip January 2026

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Firearm Injury and Violence Survivors

Beyond the physical trauma, firearm injury survivors, their families, and communities often face substantial financial burdens and significant emotional strain. What specific considerations should guide clinicians’ approach when working with individuals who have survived firearm injuries?  To better support these individuals, we've outlined several categories of firearm injury survivors, each with links to our website resource pages.  

Witnessing or Experiencing Gun Violence (such as a homicide or suicide)

Interpersonal/Domestic Violence

School Shootings/Mass Shootings

PTSD and Veteran Suicide

Do you have a resource we should add to our website? Email us at Preventing_Firearm_Injury@urmc.rochester.edu 

Don’t forget, the FIPP Team has free cable gun locks available for distribution to your patients.  If you are interested and have completed our Firearm Injury Prevention training, please have your clinic leader contact us.