Coalition building for regional violence prevention advocacy: Unique perspectives from the Southeast

The Southeastern United States is disproportionately impacted by firearm violence. States such as Mississippi and Louisiana maintain firearm-related mortality rates that are more than double national averages. In response, surgeons have advocated for violence reduction through a multitude of initiatives. Surgeon-advocates in this region serve as champions of hospital-based violence intervention programs, conduct equity-driven research, and participate in legislative efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. Yet, with limited resources, historic and structural disinvestment, and a challenging political landscape, a group of surgeon-advocates formed the Consortium of Southeast Regional Violence Intervention Programs (CoSERV), a regional coalition aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and aligning advocacy efforts across state lines. This article describes the process, challenges, and successes of coalition building for regional violence prevention advocacy from unique southeastern perspectives.