Fayetteville has felt the impact of gun violence since the start of 2023 with more than 45 homicides so far, already surpassing last year’s total of 44.
A collaboration of groups wants to stop the bloodshed.
The Fayetteville Police Department, Cape Fear Valley Health, and a nonprofit that helps prevent youth violence and create community connections called The Group Theory held a “Stop The Bleeding” event Monday evening to raise awareness against youth gun violence.
More than 50 people of various ages gathered at the Smith Recreation Center on Slater Avenue to learn about the real-life consequences of gun violence through a lecture and training session, as well as lessons about providing first aid to those experiencing life-threatening gunshot wounds.
“Our hope is that this training will allow the youth in our community the opportunity to reconsider the use of gun violence in dealing with interpersonal conflict,” Assistant Police Chief Kelly Berg said.
The youth empowerment and safety event started with a lecture-style address from Eric Morton, a therapist and justice-impacted individual from Charleston, S.C. He focused on his journey with incarceration and the ways in which his life has changed for the better. He emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, especially when it comes to preventing violence.
“Before you pick up that gun, before you become the executioner and the judge and the jury, stop and think now,” Morton said. “Stop and pay attention to your surroundings and understand what you're about to do.”
This is the first collaboration between Cape Fear Valley Health, the police department and The Group Theory, which was created in partnership between all three. The event was made possible thanks to a grant the police department received earlier this year.
After the lecture, participants got hands-on experience and observed demonstrations from Cape Fear Valley Health emergency room physicians on how different kinds of gunshot wounds are treated.
“What I like the most about this particular program, in addition to showing them the death and devastating disability associated with gun violence … is that they can be part of the solution and not one of the statistics,” said Dr. Tony Grello, associate program director for the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Cape Fear Valley Health.
The emergency department at the hospital sees gunshot wounds almost daily, according to Dr. Logan Bart. He said more than half of the ones he treats there are life-threatening.
The demonstrations — complete with fake blood — included use of a tourniquet, a heavy band that stops blood flow in the event of a severe injury like a gunshot, what happens to patients with vital organ gunshot wounds, and a hands-on station to practice treating gunshot wounds.
Dawn Hunter, who attended, said she worried for her 14- and 15-year-old godchildren.
“We need more events like this,” Hunter, who explained she didn’t have to worry about gun violence when she was her godchildren's age, said. “Youth now think they are invincible.”
She said she hoped the event shows children and teens the reality of being a victim of gun violence.
Kayla Soto, a freshman at Cumberland International Early College High School, attended the event after a friend told her about it. Afterward, she said she felt more prepared to deal with gun violence if ever confronted with it in the future.
“It helps spread awareness,” she said. “And especially with the medical stuff, you get to see what actually happens in the aftermath.”
With the success of the lecture and training session, Fayetteville Police Department. plans to hold additional public awareness events in 2024.
Contact Char Morrison at cmorrison@cityviewnc.com.
