Honoring the Memory of May 14

As spring unfolds on medical campuses with commencements and white coat ceremonies, here at the Jacobs School, May carries a particular significance. Today, we mark May 14 with solemn remembrance, acknowledging the third anniversary of the tragic, racially motivated shooting at Tops Friendly Supermarket, a profound event for our community.

The devastating impact of gun violence continues to resonate deeply. This is not merely a matter of law and order but a critical public health crisis demanding our focused attention and action. It underscores the urgent need to cultivate safe environments for everyone, especially our dedicated health care professionals.

In our ongoing commitment to healing and progress, I invite you to join me at the second annual Remembrance Conference from June 6 to 8. This conference, hosted in partnership with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, will provide a space to honor the lives lost and engage in crucial discussions to drive concrete steps in addressing gun violence and mental health.

Gun violence has become a devastating epidemic in our communities, claiming countless lives and leaving many more injured. This crisis has particularly impacted our cities and medical school communities. The tragic mass shootings at Michigan State University on February 13, 2023, and in Buffalo, NY, on May 14, 2022, serve as stark reminders of its profound impact.

We are honored to welcome our keynote speaker, Megan Ranney, MD, MPH, dean of the Yale School of Public Health, a renowned emergency physician, researcher, and advocate for public health innovation.

Our plenary speakers include:

• Robert J. Gore, MD ’02: A distinguished alumnus of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, attending physician and clinical assistant professor at Kings County Hospital, SUNY Downstate Department of Emergency Medicine, and founder/executive director of the Kings Against Violence Initiative.
• Zeneta B. Everhart: A Buffalo native, advocate, community leader, Masten District Council Member and advocate for stricter gun laws.
• Patricia Logan-Greene, MSSW, PhD: Associate professor and associate dean for academic affairs in UB’s School of Social Work, whose work focuses on trauma-informed approaches to violence, childhood adversity, and system responses.

Let us unite in solidarity to confront these vital issues directly and dedicate ourselves to building safer and healthier communities for all. By recognizing gun violence as a public health emergency and prioritizing comprehensive mental health support, we can collectively strive toward a more resilient and brighter future.

Warmly,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Dean, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Vice President for Health Sciences
President and CEO, UBMD Physicians' Group