Tuesday, March 1, 2023
Firearm injuries are a significant issue within the State of Michigan and across the United States. These injuries are preventable using evidence-based strategies. In an effort to address this issue, the University of Michigan launched the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention in 2021. The Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention engages the breadth of expertise across the University of Michigan, with input from nonacademic stakeholders, to generate knowledge and advance solutions that will decrease firearm injury across Michigan and the United States and — all while respecting the rights of and engaging with responsible, law-abiding firearm owners. The Institute’s focus is on developing, evaluating, and disseminating effective data-driven solutions for preventing firearm injuries, including suicides, homicides, unintentional injuries, and mass shooting events (including school shootings).
Members of today’s panel will discuss effective programs and resources that are currently in place in Michigan, as well as opportunities to expand the Institute’s efforts throughout the state.
What is the Wolverine Caucus?
Wolverine Caucus members are University of Michigan alumni including legislators, lobbyists, staff, and advisors working in and around the State of Michigan government. The primary objective of the forum series is to provide engaging and informative programs for University of Michigan alumni, legislators, staff, policymakers, and others working in and around the State Capitol and mid-Michigan. That objective persists today as forums feature U-M experts on timely, relevant public policy issues during the legislative session. Prior to the pandemic, the forums were held over the lunch hour in spaces near-by the State Capitol. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wolverine Caucus has executed their programs in a virtual format and has worked closely with MI Creative on a more robust publishing and distribution effort resulting in nearly 300 participants per caucus.
The Wolverine Caucus strives to provide diverse forums on timely policy topics and create opportunities for alumni, and others to learn from the world-class expertise of U-M faculty and administrators. The additional benefit is the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie with fellow Wolverines.