WASHINGTON — A group of physicians, educators and advocates against gun violence traveled from Louisville to Washington to take part in a special panel at the FBI headquarters. They highlighted the work they’re doing to help children deal with trauma caused by gun violence through their “Future Healers” programs. 

“The impact trauma has on children is heavy, and the way your team incorporates different ways of healing is impactful,” said FBI assistant director to the operational technology division, James Robert Brown Jr. in a letter asking the group to take part.

During the panel, a group of representatives from UofL Health, the Louisville Zoo and the nonprofit 2X Game Changers spoke about why they are working together to address this complex issue. 

These partnerships started with Christopher 2X and his program, 2X Game Changers. 

Under the motto, “Target Education, Crush Violence,” 2X Game Changers serves kids ranging in age from 4 to 13 who have been affected by gun violence in the community. Through their “Future Healers” program, the group meets with doctors and medical students to learn about the STEM field.

During a panel a FBI headquarters, a group of representatives from UofL Health, the Louisville Zoo and 2X Game Changers spoke about how they are working together to address the impact of gun violence in their community. (Spectrum News 1/Julia Benbrook)

2X said they don’t claim they can stop violence, but they can offer support to families who have been affected by it.

“Louisville is experiencing what many people across the country are experiencing now with a rampant uptick in violence, especially gun violence,” said Dr. Keith R. Miller, associate trauma medical director at UofL Health.

Miller, who helps coordinate the medical side of the program, said this “requires a multi-pronged attack as far as addressing the issue.” 

Dr. Christopher Jones, executive medical director of the Trager Transplant Center at UofL, said, “Everyone has a role, you just have to figure out what it is.” 

“The medical students approached me and said ‘Dr. Jones, how can we get involved for our community?’” 

Jones said the medical students who take part not only teach, but also learn during these sessions.

“I can remember one kid… He must have been no more than 5 or 6 years old,” Jones said. “We were talking about broken bones.” 

That’s when one of the medical students asked the kids if they knew anyone with broken bones. That child explained that his cousin had broken bones from a “gun deal that went bad.” 

“I think what it has built is psychological trust with the kids,” Jones explained. 

The Louisville Zoo is also a partner creating a space of healing through nature with the program, “Future Healers Zoo Buddies.” 

“We’ve seen a lot of the kids open up and warm up in the months that we’ve been working with them and my favorite part of the process is that we are working so closely with the families,” said Kim Allgeier, education curator at the Louisville Zoo. 

While some FBI representatives attended the panel in person, the panel was also sent to field offices across the country via livestream. The goal of the panel discussion was to encourage creative thinking to help communities. 

During that trip, Christopher 2X was presented with the Louisville Field Office’s 2022 Director’s Community Leadership Award. It’s presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI and honors individuals for their contributions to local communities through service.