In a day of practical, non-partisan learning, the University of Colorado’s Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative brought together leaders from eight metro Denver public health agencies for a workshop focused on turning research into real-world strategies to reduce firearm-related injuries.
The workshop, part of FIPI’s Firearm Injury Prevention Leadership Engagement and Development (FIP-LEAD) program, aims to build capacity and confidence among local leaders to integrate firearm injury prevention into their organizations’ work. By the end of the day, participants left with actionable strategies, new peer connections, and a deeper understanding of how they can make meaningful contributions to local prevention efforts.
Collaboration in Action
“Our vision for FIP-LEAD is to help folks realize that everyone has a role to play in preventing firearm injuries, deaths, and related harms,” said Jessica Buck-Atkinson, MPH, Associate Director of FIPI. “We want participants to see that this work doesn’t have to involve political debate. There are so many ways to make a difference by working together toward the common goal of saving lives.”
Held on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, the training covered the scope of firearm-related injury in Colorado and across the nation, the cultural and contextual factors that shape firearm access and use, and how to engage in respectful, informed dialogue across diverse communities. Leaders from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Office of Suicide Prevention also joined the conversation, reinforcing statewide alignment around local-level solutions.
FIP-LEAD stands out for its emphasis on bridging knowledge with action. “It goes beyond providing knowledge and skills,” said Erin Wright-Kelly, DrPH, MA, Director of Research & Evaluation for FIPI. “It gives participants practical steps and guidance for how to approach firearm injury prevention in a way that respects diverse perspectives and helps them think through how to apply data and evidence within their own organizational settings.”
A Shared Goal: Prevention Without Polarization
Throughout the day, attendees worked in teams to reflect on their own experiences, share local challenges, and identify specific next steps. Discussions included promoting secure firearm storage, supporting community-centered violence intervention, and building trust in politically diverse environments.
“Through FIP-LEAD, we’re challenging the narrative that firearm injury prevention can only be solved through legislation or that addressing the issue inevitably leads to heated debate,” Buck-Atkinson said. “Our goal is to help people see that we all want the same thing—safer communities—and that our diverse perspectives can actually strengthen the solutions we find together.”
One participant expressed surprise at the workshop’s balanced approach: “Because this is affiliated with a university, I came in thinking that this workshop would have an anti-gun focus, but I was pleasantly surprised that you all have found the middle ground. You are sending us out with the knowledge that we need to be addressing gun violence in communities in a non-partisan way.”
The energy in the room reflected this shared understanding. “It was wonderful to see people from different agencies asking each other questions about work already underway,” Wright-Kelly said. “It’s powerful to see participants demonstrate their own local knowledge and begin to engage each other.”
Tools, Momentum, and Actionable Next Steps
Participants were equipped with a comprehensive workbook, evidence-informed strategies, and hands-on planning tools to support their learning. A “leadership lab” allowed each attendee to develop an action plan tailored to their agency’s needs.
“The LPHA leaders in attendance were phenomenal,” said Buck-Atkinson. “They shared what they’re already doing and where they hope to expand. The biggest takeaway was the desire for more cross-county coordination, and a clear next step for us is to continue supporting that collaboration.”
One participant remarked, “I used to think the problems we faced were unique to us, but now I know we’re not alone.”
FIP-LEAD encourages participants to begin where they are—whether that means launching a new program or simply starting a conversation. “Some may begin by integrating secure firearm storage into existing efforts, like safe medication campaigns,” said Wright-Kelly. “Others may use what they learned to enhance programs already in place or serve as models for their peers.”
Looking Ahead
FIPI hopes to expand FIP-LEAD statewide, adapting the model for other sectors like education, healthcare, and community-based organizations. As research on firearm injury prevention advances, partnerships between academics and practitioners remain crucial for translating evidence into action.
“There was a historic lack of funding for this work, so it’s important for us as researchers to work closely with practitioners and community leaders to identify and expand solutions,” Buck-Atkinson said. “Our role is to walk alongside them, sharing what we know works and how they might apply it in their communities.”
What gives her hope is the growing demand for this kind of training. “People from across Colorado and beyond have asked us, ‘How can I engage people from all firearm backgrounds the way you do?’ That tells me people are ready. They want to work together to keep their communities safe—and they’re looking for ways to build bridges and understanding.”