WashU Begins Yearlong Study of Gun Violence 5/1/2015 Public Health Share this Story: “Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis,” a yearlong initiative at Washington University in St. Louis, was launched with a panel program on April 21. The initiative will bring together scholars, medical professionals, community leaders and citizens to take a hard look at the serious, tragic public health consequences of gun violence in America. “Our goal is to help develop real solutions that have a real chance of making a real difference and, in the process, help to reduce death and injury from firearms,” said Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton. Dr. Edward F. Lawlor, dean of the Brown School and the William E. Gordon Distinguished Professor, served as panel moderator. Read more.