Violence Prevention Collaborative of Metro Atlanta

Bringing science, health systems, and community together to prevent violence

Mission

The Violence Prevention Collaborative of Metro Atlanta brings together community organizations, public health leaders, researchers, and civic partners to raise awareness and coordinate action around gun violence as a public health emergency across the eleven-county metro region.

Since 2022, the Collaborative has hosted major regional symposiums, conducted community engagement, and developed shared data infrastructure to support violence prevention across Metro Atlanta. The Collaborative convenes partners, aligns data, and amplifies evidence-based approaches to prevent firearm deaths and injuries, including homicide, suicide, and unintentional injury.

By connecting science, health systems, and community leadership, the Collaborative aims to build sustained regional infrastructure for violence prevention and support strategies that improve safety and health across Metro Atlanta.

Apr

Thu

2026 Violence Prevention Pre-Symposium

On April 16, 2026, the Violence Prevention Collaborative of Metro Atlanta—a powerhouse partnership between 100 Black Men of Atlanta, The Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine, and The King Center—hosted an invite-only roundtable discussion to address the escalating crisis of gun violence and its impact on community well-being.

A Multi-Disciplinary Call to Action

The gathering brought together a diverse coalition of elected officials, law enforcement, public health experts, and civil rights organizations. The primary goal was to move beyond discussion and toward the creation of concrete action plans that address the social determinants of health and the root causes of violent deaths.

Key Discussions and Findings

The agenda focused on a “data-to-action” pipeline, utilizing advanced tools like the Health Equity Tracker to analyze intersectional outcomes, including youth-involved deaths and homicides affecting Black men.

The Story Behind the Numbers: Rana Bayakly, MPH (Georgia Dept. of Public Health), presented current trends in lethal violence, focusing on conflict and mental health narratives within ARC counties.

Veteran Suicide in Georgia: Dr. Brian A. Moore shared critical research regarding mental and physical health solutions for Georgia's veteran population.

Evidence-Based Interventions: Dr. Alex Crosby led sessions on behavioral changes related to firearms and the importance of regional collaboration.

The Power of Nonviolence: Ciera Bobo, a certified Nonviolence365® trainer from The King Center, provided practical insights into conflict reconciliation and youth empowerment.

Collaborative Strategies

The pre-symposium served as a strategic planning session for a larger community event scheduled for later this year. Participants explored innovative strategies including:

Increasing mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources.

Addressing social determinants such as housing, transportation, and food insecurity in the context of community safety.

Utilizing media and awareness campaigns—similar to those used for tobacco cessation—to shift behaviors surrounding gun violence.

Leadership Perspectives

“Advancing health equity means addressing the conditions that impact community safety and well-being... we are proud to create solutions that support healthier, safer communities.”

— Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD, Morehouse School of Medicine

“Violence is not only a public safety issue. It is also a moral issue, a public health issue, and a human dignity issue.”

— Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center

This initiative reinforces the Collaborative's ongoing commitment to applying nonviolence principles and data-driven strategies to ensure a safer, more equitable Metro Atlanta.

Member Organizations

Satcher Health Leadership Institute - Morehouse School of Medicine

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) advances health equity research, policy, leadership development, and data transparency. Within the Collaborative, SHLI provides scientific leadership and public health framing for violence prevention efforts. The Institute leads data strategy and dashboard development, integrates violence prevention into medical and public health education, and connects regional efforts to broader national health equity research. The Institute's Health Equity Tracker supports this work by providing accessible, data-driven analysis of health disparities and prevention opportunities, including gun violence.

100 Black Men of Atlanta

100 Black Men of Atlanta is a longstanding leader in mentoring, youth development, and civic engagement, with deep and trusted relationships in communities most impacted by violence. Within the Collaborative, the organization leads community engagement and conflict resolution programming, elevates youth voice and lived experience, and convenes regional symposiums and awareness events. Its Anti-Gun Violence initiatives bridge public health strategy with on-the-ground community action.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

Founded on the philosophy and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The King Center advances nonviolence as a practical framework for social change. In the Collaborative, The King Center anchors violence prevention efforts in values-based leadership and nonviolent principles, provides education on conflict resolution and restorative approaches, and supports public dialogue grounded in dignity and respect.

Public Health Advisors

The Collaborative includes current and former public health leaders from federal, state, and local agencies, including professionals with experience at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health. These advisors help ensure alignment with evidence-based public health practices, guide data integration and regional analysis, and support evaluation to promote measurable impact.

Our Focus Areas

Data & Regional Analysis

Coordinating demographic and geographic analysis across Metro Atlanta to support targeted, measurable prevention strategies.

Education & Training

Developing curricula and workshops for students, health professionals, veterans, survivor families, and community leaders.

Health System & Community Coordination

Supporting hospital- and community-based intervention approaches that address cycles of violence and suicide risk.

Public Awareness

Promoting clear, data-driven communication that frames gun violence as preventable and responsive to coordinated public health action.

Get Involved

The Collaborative welcomes anyone committed to preventing violence across Metro Atlanta, including organizations, researchers, health professionals, educators, policymakers, and community members.

To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, please reach out by email or visit our member orgs' websites using the buttons below.

Together, we can strengthen coordination, expand awareness, and support prevention efforts across Metro Atlanta.