A Letter From SAVIR President Cassandra Crifasi

Dear SAVIR Members,

For those of you who were able to join us in New York, it was amazing to see you all at such a great conference. Some of you had planned to come but could not attend. I know many, if not all of us, have been experiencing a rollercoaster of emotion this year as funding cuts, layoffs, and other actions by the current administration seem to be hitting us with a constant barrage. Some of us may have colleagues, program officers, friends, or loved ones directly impacted. Some of you may have been directly impacted, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge that. I, for one, have found it hard at times to find my footing.

As I was preparing for the official start of my year as President of SAVIR, I spent some time reflecting on what it is that makes SAVIR such a special organization to be a part of. While there are many things, for me, the excellence of SAVIR coalesced around three key themes: science, mentorship, and advocacy.

Science. The researchers and practitioners who comprise the membership of SAVIR are among the best in your respective fields. Whether that be violence prevention, motor vehicle safety, sports injuries, trauma, safe storage, or any number of fascinating topics, SAVIR members represent both the best of the best right now and the remarkable potential of what the field of violence and injury prevention has to offer in the future. As the importance of the work we do is called into question by the current administration, the communities and populations and people with which we collaborate need us more than ever. I recognize that funding cuts may constrain the work we do, but I urge you to never waver on the quality and rigor of that work. We lead by example by developing and applying novel methodologies and answering pressing questions that shape the field. I am not normally an optimistic person, but I am certain there will come a day when science and data are again respected by those in power. It is essential that we continue to produce high quality research to be prepared to repair the many harms to health and safety that are sure to come over the next few years. Our members are uniquely qualified to lead that essential research.

Mentorship. I have been a member of SAVIR since I joined as a student in 2010. The dedication of SAVIR’s members, at all career stages, to support the growth and development of the field is one of the reasons I have been so active in the organization and agreed to serve as President. SAVIR is an organization that has had a tremendous impact on my professional development. The chance to engage with and learn from leaders in the field has shaped my career in ways I can’t even begin to enumerate. As we face challenges both old and new, we must hold fast to our commitment to mentorship and centering the needs and perspectives of the researchers and practitioners who are establishing themselves as the leaders we need – not just in the future, but right now. If you aren’t currently engaged as a mentor through SAVIR, please consider doing so. Some of our student and early career members are at institutions or organizations where they may be the only one focused on injury or violence prevention. The current climate is likely to make that even more challenging. But connectedness increases our reach and capacity. And that connectedness is more important than ever.

Advocacy. I am trained as a public health researcher. We in public health are very good at defining a problem, understanding risk and protective factors, and designing and evaluating interventions to address that problem. Where we too often fall short is that last, and often most important step, ensuring widespread implementation. As one of my mentors, Dr. Garen Wintemute says, the work isn’t done with the science is. However, we are often hesitant to engage in the thing most needed to ensure expansion – advocacy. But core to public health is advocating for the changes we know will make communities safer and healthier. Advocacy is educating policymakers, community members, organizations, or other leaders so they know what works. Advocacy is about making research work in the real world. Some might argue that now is the time to keep our heads down – to not rock the boat. But, as Carla Harris – one of the most powerful Black female executives on Wall Street, says – keeping your head down doesn’t keep you from getting hit, it just stifles your voice. You might as well keep your head up so at least you see the hit coming. I encourage us as individuals and as SAVIR to not make it easy for people to ignore us. We need to use data and compelling stories to effectively communicate the amazing and impactful work you all do. We need to leverage media interviews, op-eds, and letters to the editor to increase access to the very policies and programs you all know can reduce injury and save lives. This is a moment we need to lean in, not silence ourselves.

The power of SAVIR comes down to the power of our members – our science, our mentorship, and our advocacy. The power of SAVIR is the power of you.

I am absolutely honored to be serving as your President this year and I hope to see you all in 2026 in Rhode Island.

Cass Crifasi, PhD, MPH
SAVIR President
Associate Professor, Health Policy and Management
Co-Executive Director, Center for Gun Violence Solutions
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health