Last year’s gun violence prevention conference brought powerful insights from leaders like Drs. Robert Gore, Megan Ranney, and Patricia Logan Greene. Their voices continue to inspire action at the Jacobs School. We’re building on that momentum—and looking ahead to the next evolution of this important gathering in September 2026.
A public‑health–driven symposium hosted by the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
With our September 2026 symposium, we aim to engage our participants in conversations, curriculum and programming that employ a public health approach to reduce firearm injuries and fatalities.
Gun violence continues to affect individuals, families, and communities across the nation, leaving lasting impacts on physical, emotional, and social well‑being. As a medical and biomedical institution, the Jacobs School is committed to leading with science, compassion, and public‑health principles to drive meaningful change.
Rise, Respond and Rebuild brings together a diverse community—health care professionals, educators, community leaders, learners, public‑facing workers, and those dedicated to creating safer environments—to learn, collaborate and take action.
The symposium offers opportunities for shared learning, multidisciplinary connection, and community‑centered solutions, echoing the collaborative spirit encouraged in last year's conference programming.
We invite proposals that contribute to shared learning and action. Following the model used in last year’s conference—where participants were encouraged to elevate issues, showcase innovative work, and share best practices—the symposium welcomes sessions that:
This is your opportunity to elevate an important issue, contribute to a multidisciplinary conversation, and empower others to bring solutions back to their own communities.
The symposium will feature:
Keynote Presentations. Leading voices will explore the latest evidence, innovations, and community‑centered approaches to preventing firearm violence.
Breakout Sessions & Workshops. Interactive sessions focused on clinical education, trauma‑informed care, youth engagement, community partnerships, and public‑health strategies.
Community Dialogue & Reflection. Dedicated time for shared experience, resource exchange, and collaborative problem‑solving—reflecting last year’s emphasis on open conversation and community‑engaged learning.
Networking Opportunities. Connect with professionals, educators, advocates, and community partners from across sectors.
A complete schedule will be posted soon.
Please join us for this forward‑thinking, community‑focused symposium. Registration will open in June.
The symposium will be held at:
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
University at Buffalo
955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Information on parking, accessibility, accommodations, and directions will be available soon.
This symposium is intentionally designed for a broad, interdisciplinary audience.
Participants may include:
Anyone invested in creating safer, healthier communities through a public‑health lens is welcome.
We invite organizations, institutions, and community partners to support Rise, Respond and Rebuild: Healing Communities by Ending Gun Violence as event sponsors. Your partnership brings together diverse voices, expands access to public‑health–driven education, and strengthens collaborative efforts to prevent firearm violence.
Sponsorship reflects your commitment to community well‑being, interdisciplinary learning, and solutions that foster safety and healing. Your support directly advances symposium programming, community engagement, and the creation of shared resources and tools.
Our executive committee is composed of community leaders, advocates and partners who believe that gun violence is preventable and that change begins with action. Each member brings a personal commitment to protecting lives and strengthening communities, and their collective voice helps shape our mission, priorities and path forward.
The University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
To be determined.
Rise, Respond and Rebuild builds on the Jacobs School’s ongoing commitment to addressing gun violence as a public‑health crisis. This symposium evolved from earlier conferences focused on prevention, education, and community partnership, expanding that work into a broader, more inclusive forum for shared learning and action. Today, the event brings together diverse voices to strengthen our collective ability to promote healing, safety, and well‑being across all communities.