ST. LOUIS — For the first time, the U.S. Surgeon General is declaring gun violence as an urgent public health crisis.
The nation's top doctor, Dr. Vivek Murthy, made the announcement Tuesday.
On that very same day, teens played music they created at Saint Louis Story Stitchers.
It's a safe space using art as an alternative.
Branden Lewis is the organization's Youth Artistic Coordinator.
Lewis said, "We believe a lot of the violence that happens because a lack of ability to express yourself in a healthy way."
That's why Saint Louis Story Stitchers created 'The Center' to address gun violence.
"Unfortunately, it comes with the territory, with the youth that we work with, that they are traumatized in some shape or form (of gun violence)," Lewis added.
It's an outlet for 16- to 25-year-olds and a place to use their voice.
The nonprofit is on its way to its 10-year anniversary.
Lewis shared, "Gun violence is not a new problem, but I am glad that it's getting more attention."
Now, their efforts are re-affirmed with the U.S. Surgeon General's declaration and advisory.
The advisory recommends the need for more research funding, community violence prevention programs and prevention strategies, firearm risk reduction strategies and stronger laws.
It talks about gun violence in vulnerable communities, on children and the collective toll this has on our mental health.
To view the advisory, click here.
The Bullet Related Injury Clinic, known as BRIC, is another place for pain and healing.
It provides free support for bullet-related injuries, including pain management, wound care, and trauma recovery.
Director Dr. LJ Punch calls the latest advisory a break forward in helping with structure and funding.
Punch said, "The St. Louis community is ready for the investment and believing survivors in the steps it’ll take so we can heal and prevent future injuries. Making gun violence, which is one way that bullets get into people’s bodies, a public health concern helps amplify our need for education, for real prevention, that’s based on safe gun ownership."
Punch shared the declaration is a big deal for their organization.
"It's a big opportunity to raise awareness and most importantly to stand in solidarity with people whose lives who have been impacted, they deserve better and we are here for that," he added.
Both groups continue to do their work, as another light shines on the ripple effects of a bullet.
Lewis added, "We've had several people who've came up to us and said we've saved their life and that's invaluable to me."
To get involved:
- Services for both organizations are free.
- Call or text to make an appointment or set up transportation for BRIC at 314-624-0398.
- Save the date for BRIC's Institute Launch for practice and healing Nov. 7-9. For more information, click here.
- On June 28th, Story Stitchers will have Story Circle on Mental Health at the Turkish Pavilion at Tower Grove Park from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Story Stitchers is hosting its 10-year-anniversary celebration Aug. 9 with a Youth Empowerment Summit. For tickets, click here.