Understanding the impact of firearm injuries on children and communities
Official title: Developing Trauma Networks of Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults to Examine the "Ripple Effect" of Firearm Injuries
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10786691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how gun injuries impact not just the people hurt but also their families and communities, especially kids and young adults, to understand the emotional struggles they face and find better ways to help them heal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,660 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD113985-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10786691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children, adolescents, and young adults who have been exposed to firearm injuries, either as victims or as part of the trauma network.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to firearm injuries or are outside the age range of 0-21 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how firearm injuries affect not only the victims but also their families and communities, particularly focusing on children, adolescents, and young adults. It aims to identify and describe the trauma networks formed around these incidents, which include witnesses and family members of victims. By analyzing existing healthcare and police data, the study seeks to uncover the long-term health effects experienced by those indirectly affected by firearm injuries, such as increased risks of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The goal is to improve interventions for these vulnerable populations who are often overlooked.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better support and intervention strategies for children and families affected by firearm injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of examining trauma networks in the context of firearm injuries is relatively novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding the broader impacts of traumatic events on communities.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magee, Lauren a — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Magee, Lauren a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.