Partnering with Black Funeral Home Directors to Reduce Mortality and Gun Violence

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Work
• Criminology

Background:

• Black Funeral Home Directors (BFHDs) possess generational knowledge of firearm-related deaths and community insights.
• Rising rates of chronic disease, suicide, and homicide from gun violence disproportionately affect Black Americans, especially in low-income areas.
• This constitutes a significant public health and social justice issue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential collaboration between BFHDs and social workers.
• To leverage BFHDs' cultural competence and community position for violence prevention.
• To address premature deaths and gun violence in Black communities.

Main Methods:

• Proposing the Epidemiological Criminology framework to analyze factors influencing chronic disease risks, premature deaths, and criminal justice interventions.
• Highlighting the role of social work in promoting trauma-informed responses, self-care, and healing.
• Examining the unique position and insights of BFHDs.

Main Results:

• BFHDs are identified as key allies in violence and premature death prevention efforts.
• The proposed framework aids in understanding multifaceted risks and responses.
• Collaboration can complement existing high-risk group interventions.

Conclusions:

• BFHDs' deep community ties and knowledge are invaluable for public health initiatives.
• Integrating BFHDs into prevention strategies can enhance effectiveness and cultural relevance.
• A collaborative approach supports trauma-informed care and community healing in response to gun violence.