In Chicago, the prevalence of illegal guns remains a significant issue, despite police efforts to seize them and arrest individuals for possession. Young people in high-crime neighborhoods often feel unsafe without firearms. A new initiative, Stick Talk, encourages these youths to keep their guns but emphasizes safe handling practices. Following a harm reduction philosophy, similar to strategies used in public health, Stick Talk provides training on essential skills, including first aid for gunshot injuries and preventing accidental weapon discharges, focusing on the needs expressed by the community.
Guns remain plentiful and easy to acquire, and young people who live in dangerous neighborhoods say they feel unsafe without them.
Harm reduction aims to be practical and nonjudgmental, offering help without insisting on abstinence.
Stick Talk teaches small groups of teenagers and young adults skills like first aid for gunshot wounds and how to avoid accidental discharges.
Stick Talk asked young people what they wanted to learn to help them survive in life.
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