Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research and Education Named a Fierce 50 Social Impact Honoree

This recognition reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based research and community-centered strategies to prevent firearm violence and suicide. Through collaboration with communities, hospital systems, and public health systems, the Center equips professionals and community partners with the tools and expertise to lead interventions that enhance safety, well-being, and health outcomes, creating lasting, meaningful change. 

“Being named a Fierce 50 Social Impact honoree reflects the dedication of our team, our partners, and the communities we work alongside. By centering those most affected and advancing solutions through research, healthcare, and community partnerships, the Center is building a future free from firearm violence,” said Melissa Mercado, Senior Director of the Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Violence Research and Education.

Fierce 50 honorees were featured in the annual report, published on September 2, 2025, and will be celebrated at a gala in New York City on November 20, 2025. 

About the Center 
The Center partners with communities, hospital systems, and public health systems to prevent firearm violence and suicide, advance trauma-informed care, and develop sustainable, evidence-based interventions. By centering those most affected, investing in inclusive grantmaking, and fostering collaboration across research, healthcare, and community systems, the Center empowers communities to lead change and drives systemic impact to reduce firearm violence and improve health outcomes. The Center advances its work through a collaboration between Kaiser Permanente and the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI).