A core element of the Public Health IDEAS for Preventing Firearm Injuries initiative is funding research pilot studies to stimulate interest and engagement in firearm research within the University of Michigan School of Public Health community. Unlike traditional pilot mechanisms, these awards are intentionally flexible to address impediments to transitioning to firearm research. This allows us to identify creative opportunities for researchers to join the initiative and support research connections to firearm injury prevention.
Pilot Study #1:
Exploring factors related to firearm violence among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults
of color in Detroit, Michigan
Michigan Public Health Pilot Study Investigators:
- Kristi Gamarel, PhD, EdM
John G. Searle Associate Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education
Principal Investigator - Gary Harper, PhD, MPH
Professor, Health Behavior and Health Education
Co-Investigator - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak, MPH
Staff, Health Behavior and Health Education
Co-Investigator - Ini-Abasi Ubong, MPH
Staff, Health Behavior and Health Education
Co-Investigator
This pilot study is co-funded by Public Health IDEAS for Preventing Firearm Injuries, the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, and the Office of the VP of Research at the University of Michigan. Dr. Gamarel and her team propose to fill gaps in understanding gun violence and firearm injury prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults of color by identifying the specific structural, social, organizational, and psychological factors that may influence gun violence and firearm injury prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults of color in Detroit.
Pilot Study #2:
The Effects of School Shootings on Concealed Carry Licenses and Firearm Background
Checks
Michigan Public Health Pilot Study Investigators:
- Susan Parker, MPP, MS
PhD candidate, Health Management and Policy
Co-Principal Investigator - Anjelica Gangaram, MA
PhD candidate, Health Management and Policy
Co-Principal Investigator
Due to the scarcity of firearm funding and firearm data availability, little is known about how experiencing violence affects firearm acquisition and carrying behavior. Thus, Susan Parker and Anjelica Gangaram will conduct a difference-in-differences study of the effects of school shootings on three important outcomes: 1) firearm sales, 2) concealed carry license acquisition, and 3) firearm hospital emergency and inpatient admissions using unique, newly available data.