This fall, REAL LIFE hosted its inaugural gun violence prevention conference, Beyond Gunshots: Pathways to Safer Communities. We enlisted the collective wisdom of voices from across the country with various points-of-view on gun violence, and we explored how to bring about change. Dr. Sarah Scarbrough, founder and director of REAL LIFE, chose to host this event after launching and expanding REAL LIFE’s Project SAF, a community-based gun violence reduction program. “While we’ve achieved significant success in reducing violent crime, we recognize that we are not experts in every area,” Dr. Scarbrough says. “ That’s why we decided to bring together a diverse group of experts to discuss comprehensive strategies for addressing violent crime.”
With over 60 speakers spanning two days, the 200 attendees heard from a wide range of experts, including doctors, therapists, politicians, and researchers. Kelly, CEO of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Foundation and a conference attendee, says “everyone left the conference feeling invigorated and having affirmed their commitment to being a part of the solution to addressing gun violence.”
If you missed this year’s conference, don’t despair! Dr. Scarbrough says, “we’re thrilled for Beyond Gunshots 2025, where we’ll showcase new programs, highlight national initiatives, and perhaps even include some musical elements. It’s shaping up to be an even more dynamic event, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!”
