Epidemic: Youth and Gun Violence in Upstate South Carolina

As you may know, the leading cause of death for teens and children in the United States is not accident or communicable disease, but firearms. Here in Greenville, nearly every day’s news includes a tragic story on another death or injury. The conference will bring professionals in the fields of healthcare, including mental health, public safety, the judicial system, and public policy together with local youth and diverse stakeholders to address the devastation of gun violence. Our children’s future is not a partisan issue, and we welcome participants from across the political spectrum.

Expert speakers and panelists will discuss the underlying conditions and the toll of gun violence and propose solutions. Stakeholders including the faith community, educators, local nonprofits, and other concerned organizations and individuals will participate. The goals of the conference are to inform and to focus public attention on this epidemic, share the perspectives of young people threatened by gun violence, invite feedback and synthesize information from professionals and stakeholders, deliver a report of the conference to the public, and create a standing commission to work toward saving young lives. All are invited to attend. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Both in-person and Zoom participation will be offered.