Johns Hopkins Develops Guide to Enhance Gun Safety Laws, Aiming to Reduce Firearm-Related Injuries and Deaths

Baltimore, MD — A new guide developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions aims to aid lawmakers in drafting more effective firearm safe storage laws. Released by the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the “Safe Storage Model Policy Guide” presents a structured set of recommendations based on comprehensive public health research. The guide comes at a critical time as varying versions of safe storage laws are currently on the books in twenty-six states and Washington, D.C. These laws mandate how firearms should be securely stored to prevent access by children and unauthorized … Read more

Johns Hopkins Report Urges States to Adopt Stricter Gun Licensing to Curb Violence

BALTIMORE — A recent study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions advocates for the broader implementation of firearm purchaser licensing laws, highlighting evidence that these regulations can significantly reduce gun violence. The report, developed in collaboration with the Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy, introduces a set of strategic recommendations designed to optimize the effectiveness of such legislation in safeguarding public health. Released on February 18 and titled “Firearm Purchaser Licensing: Research Evidence to Inform State Policy,” the study suggests that gun licensing laws should incorporate several critical features. These include mandatory firearms … Read more

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Faces Appellate Court Over $208 Million Verdict in Landmark Case Involving Child’s Custody and Mother’s Tragic Suicide

TAMPA, Fla. — The future of a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital hinges on whether the institution can be held accountable for the suicide of Beata Kowalski, who died three months after her daughter was placed under the hospital’s care. Legal representatives for the hospital sought to overturn a previous verdict at a hearing in the Florida Second District Court of Appeal on Wednesday. In 2017, Kowalski took her own life following the contentious medical care of her daughter, Maya, at the St. Petersburg hospital. Maya, a 10-year-old from Venice, had been … Read more

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Seeks Appeal in $208 Million Verdict Over Wrongful Detainment of Young Girl and Contributory Role in Mother’s Suicide

St. Petersburg, FL — Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg is challenging a court’s decision to award $208 million in damages after accusations of wrongful separation of a 10-year-old girl from her family led to her mother’s tragic suicide. The controversial case, involving a young Florida resident Maya Kowalski, gained national attention following its coverage in a Netflix documentary titled “Take Care of Maya” released in June 2023. The massive settlement was determined by a jury in Venice, who concluded that the hospital’s actions were detrimental to both the child and her family. … Read more