About Us

815 N. Church St. Suite 101
Rockford, IL 61103
779-513-2565 (Office)
24-Hour Gun Violence Hotline for public use...815-997-8438
 

 Victims of Gun Violence in need of service please Register here!

Get Connected's mission is to support community members who have been impacted by Gun Violence by connecting them with resources to overcome challenges that Community Violence can leave a family facing.
We are passionately and wholeheartedly committed to our mission. Thank you so much to those individuals and organizations who have helped by volunteering your precious time with our organization. We will continue to press forward in an effort to pave a smooth pathway leading to services, support, and a welcoming embrace to those reentering the community after incarceration and most importanlty those who have been impacted by Gun Violence. We can’t do it alone!
We need your help to break down barriers that hinder successful journey's to the resilience that Gun Violence trauma causes.

 

In 2022, there were more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States according to provisional mortality data. That's about 132 people dying from a firearm-related injury each day. More than half of firearm-related deaths were suicides and more than four out of every 10 were firearm homicides.1

More people suffer nonfatal firearm-related injuries than die. More than seven out of every 10 medically treated firearm injuries are from firearm-related assaults. Nearly two out of every 10 are from unintentional firearm injuries. 2There are few intentionally self-inflicted firearm-related injuries seen in hospital emergency departments. Most people who use a firearm in a suicide attempt die from their injury.1

Firearm injuries affect people in all stages of life. In 2022, firearm injuries (all types), were among the five leading causes of death for people ages 1-44 in the U.S. Firearm injuries were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-19.1

Who is affected

Some groups have higher rates of firearm injury than others. Men account for 86% of all victims of firearm death and 87% of firearm injuries.12

Rates of firearm violence vary by age, race, and ethnicity. Firearm homicide rates are highest among:1

  • Teens and young adults ages 15-34.
  • Black or African American persons.
  • American Indian or Alaska Native persons.
  • Hispanic or Latino persons.

Firearm suicide rates are highest among:1

  • Adults aged 75 and older.
  • American Indian or Alaska Native persons.
  • Non-Hispanic White persons.

These inequities underscore the importance of addressing the social and structural conditions that drive rates of violence and suicide.

Consequences

People who survive a firearm-related injury may experience long-term consequences. These include problems with memory, thinking, emotions, physical disability from injury to the brain, and paralysis from spinal cord injuries. Also included are chronic mental health problems from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.3456

The effects of firearm violence and injury extend beyond victims and their families. Shooting incidents, including those in homes, schools, houses of worship, or workplaces, shopping areas, on the street or at community events can affect the sense of safety and security of entire communities and impact everyday decisions.

The economic impact of firearm violence is also substantial. Firearm violence and injury cost the United States tens of billions of dollars each year in medical and lost productivity costs.1

Prevention

Firearm injuries and deaths are preventable—not inevitable—and everyone has a role to play in prevention. A comprehensive approach and partners working with communities can reduce inequities and prevent firearm deaths and injuries.
Use the donate link below to connect with Get Connected and help break down barriers to resources. 
CDC Firearm Injury & Death Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/firearm-violence/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Thank you!
Get Connected Team