A researcher at Texas Southern University has been awarded a $100,000 grant to examine firearm-related deaths among individuals recently released from incarceration, shining a spotlight on one of the most vulnerable and often overlooked populations in the United States.

Dr. Jennifer Wyatt Bourgeois, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Justice Research, will lead a three-year study funded by the Fund for a Safer Future. The research will focus on the first year after release, a critical period when individuals face heightened risks tied to systemic barriers and unmet needs.

Each year, more than 600,000 people are released from state and federal prisons across the country. Many encounter significant challenges, including untreated mental health conditions, substance use, housing instability, and the lasting effects of trauma. The study aims to examine how these factors intersect and contribute to firearm-related deaths, including both homicides and suicides.

The research will analyze patterns that distinguish types of gun violence and identify when individuals are most at risk during their transition back into society. It will also explore disparities based on race, age, and gender, providing a deeper understanding of how different populations are impacted.

Findings from the study are expected to inform violence prevention strategies, reentry programs, and public health initiatives. Community organizations will play a key role in shaping outreach efforts and ensuring the research is accessible and actionable for the public.

Leadership at the Center for Justice Research emphasized the significance of the award, noting that the project reflects a broader commitment to translating data into real-world solutions that improve public safety and save lives. Additional university leaders highlighted the importance of addressing underlying issues such as mental health, behavioral health, and housing security as part of comprehensive efforts to reduce violent crime and support successful reentry.

The study will conclude in December 2028, with findings shared through academic publications, policy briefs, conferences, and community engagement sessions.

The Fund for a Safer Future, a fiscally sponsored initiative of Global Impact, supports practical, evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing gun-related injuries and deaths nationwide.

Founded in 1927, Texas Southern University continues to serve as a leading institution focused on urban research and education, preparing a diverse student population to address critical issues and drive positive change in communities across the country.