We are proud of MPH student Brianna Borg, who presented at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting in November. Her oral presentation “Gun Violence and Mental Health in Youth from Detroit and the Surrounding Suburbs” was part of the Violence Prevention in Children, Adolescents, and Adults Session of the Maternal and Child Health Section.

Breanna is a researcher coordinator for Think Lab in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences. Her presentation merges her interests in public health with mental health and neuroscience.

“My study aimed to (1) compare youths’ exposure to guns in Detroit versus surrounding suburbs, and (2) test for links between gun-related exposures and mental health outcomes in Detroit youth. The findings from this study suggest that exposure to gun violence is prevalent among Detroit youths and is correlated with mental health outcomes- anxiety and depression. Moreover, that further research and community-centered initiatives are needed.”

Congratulations, Breanna!

Click here to read her abstract

Click here to see her virtual presentation