University of Washington researchers say their prevention program could reduce gun violence deaths in children
Their research suggests that prevention programs focusing on parent training and after-school programs could reduce youth gun carrying by nearly 30% over one year. Nearly three decades ago at the age of 17, the unexpected happened to Joseph Sakran after a football game. He was shot by a stray bullet. “I remember seeing the flashes of light and realizing something quickly was wrong because … I was just soaked in blood,” Sakran said in an interview with ABC News. Since Sakran’s injury, a growing number of kids have been impacted by gun violence. Sakran, who is now a trauma surgeon and gun control advocate, said there isn’t enough gun control legislation at the national level. But a group of researchers from the University of Washington think their community-based prevention program could help reduce the number of kids who die from gun violence. Their work can be implemented by community members – not lawmakers. MORE: 'Nightmare': 6 killed in 'calculated' mass shooting ...