A recent virtual panel hosted by The Trace brings to light the alarming reality of gun violence as the leading cause of death among Generation Z, with over 11,000 young people killed in 2023 alone. Key voices, including Parkland shooting survivor Jaclyn Corin and March For Our Lives executive director Mariah Cooley, discuss how prolonged exposure to violence and active shooter drills has shaped their experiences and mental health.
The panel addresses systemic issues such as poverty and lack of mental health resources that exacerbate the gun violence crisis, urging for a comprehensive approach to community support and prevention. As legislators like Maryland’s Joe Vogel advocate for more mental health professionals in schools, panelists stress the importance of grassroots activism and engaging with local officials to drive meaningful change.
Read full story at www.thetrace.org
