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Mike Anestis, PhD

@mikeanestis.bsky.social
576 followers 195 following 169 posts

Executive Director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center Professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health Author of Guns and Suicide: An American Epidemic Diehard Pittsburgh sports fan

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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center @njgvrc.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
What a day! 📸 From inspiring keynote speakers to engaging breakout sessions and meaningful collaborations, the 2026 GVRC Summit brought us together to advance firearm violence research and prevention. #Rutgers #NJGVRC #GunViolencePrevention
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
NJ Department of Human Services @njhumanservices.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
NJ came together today for the annual Suicide Prevention Conference to advance suicide prevention & mental health. Thank you to @mikiesherrill.bsky.social and keynote speakers Dr. John Torous, Dr. Sarika Agarwal & @mikeanestis.bsky.social for sharing expertise & helping reduce stigma and build hope.
Governor Sherill providing remarks. She is wearing a blue and white checkered blouse. Dr. Torous providing remarks. Dr. Agarwal providing remarks. Dr. Anestis providing remarks.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center @njgvrc.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Last year’s Firearm Suicide Prevention Fellowship Training brought together emerging researchers to learn, connect & collaborate. As we prepare for this year’s training, revisit where those connections began—and how they continue today. 🔗 ow.ly/7qVi50ZFjWb
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Brady | United Against Gun Violence @bradyunited.org · 04/09/2026
Firearm Suicide Prevention Day, Tuesday, September 8, is a time to draw attention to the role of firearms in America’s growing suicide crisis. Firearm suicides reached an all-time high in 2025. Securely storing guns is key to saving lives. Learn more: bit.ly/4xDfcXl
bradyunited.org
Brady Recognizes Annual Firearm Suicide Prevention Day on September…
On average, 74 people die by firearm suicide every day, more than are killed in firearm homicides and unintentional shootings combined.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Perfect description of that win. #Pirates
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
JAMA Network Open @jamanetworkopen.com · 01/08/2026
Among US women, 41.1% reported that personally owning a gun would make them safer, but only 21.3% reported they would feel safer if more people were allowed to legally carry guns. ja.ma/4wF2w1Y
Bar chart displays agreement for two statements: 'Owning a gun makes me safer' (blue) and 'Safer if more could legally carry' (orange). X-axis shows categories: Total, Gun owner, Gun in home (not owner), No guns (not owner). Gun owners show highest agreement for both.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Society of Clinical Psychology (APA Div.12) @scpdiv12.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Congratulations to Dr. Thomas Joiner recognized for the Florence Halpern Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Clinical Psychology. His groundbreaking research on suicide prevention has shaped the understanding, treatment, and prevention of suicidal behavior worldwide.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Erik Reinbergs @ereinbergs.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
🧵 1/ Some facts and figures on suicide from the latest report out of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions #suicideprevention
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
The Trace @thetrace.org · 22/06/2026
Trump cut over $1 billion in grants for gun violence prevention, research, and other public safety programs. Researchers are looking to states and private funders to help insulate the field from federal volatility. But will it be enough to sustain work that was already underfunded?
thetrace.org
After Trump's Cuts, Who's Going to Fund Gun Violence Prevention?
Congress is taking steps to stabilize research dollars, researchers are turning to private funders, and states are emerging as a critical backstop. But is it enough?
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
I’ve been a diehard Pirates fan my entire life. Even with their constant failures, I’ve always thought they might be good again at some point. I’m now convinced they’ll be losers until they move to another city and abandon the fans they’ve tortured for generations. Nutting will make billions.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
𝙼𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚗 𝙺𝚊𝚗𝚐 @mkang.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
1/3 Excited to share a paper 5 years in the making, now out in @pnas.org. We asked how does past exposure to violence shape the way people think in social situations, and how does that thinking drive future involvement in violence? w/ @sendhil.bsky.social
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
The Trace @thetrace.org · 05/05/2026
Surviving a gunshot wound, losing a loved one to a shooting, or simply witnessing gun violence can leave people with chronic pain long after the event, according to a new study by Rutgers University. Read more: thetr.ac/tGHlu
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting @handle.invalid · 17/02/2026
“Ghost guns are not just a law enforcement problem, they are a public health problem... [They] can be acquired without background checks or waiting periods... which makes them particularly consequential for individuals seeking means for self-harm.”
thetrace.org
Ghost Guns Are Linked to an Increase in Suicide Rates
People who attempt suicide, nine out of 10 times, will survive — if they don’t use a gun. But suicide attempts with a firearm are almost always fatal: nine in 10 attempts end in death.  For years,…
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
The Trace @thetrace.org · 03/02/2026
Congress is taking steps to stabilize research dollars, researchers are turning to private funders, and states are emerging as a critical backstop. But is it enough?
thetrace.org
After Trump's Cuts, Who's Going to Fund Gun Violence Prevention?
Congress is taking steps to stabilize research dollars, researchers are turning to private funders, and states are emerging as a critical backstop. But is it enough?
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
www.thetrace.org/2026/02/gun-... The Trace explains the impact of the federal government denying funds to gun violence prevention science and the various efforts being made to push back.
thetrace.org
After Trump's Cuts, Who's Going to Fund Gun Violence Prevention?
Congress is taking steps to stabilize research dollars, researchers are turning to private funders, and states are emerging as a critical backstop. But is it enough?
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
The Trace @thetrace.org · 21/01/2026
For a new analysis, The Trace catalogued how many grants related to gun violence prevention were canceled or redirected during Trump’s first year in office.
thetrace.org
Trump Has Slashed Federal Funding for Gun Violence Prevention. But How Much Exactly?
For a new analysis, The Trace catalogued how many grants were canceled or redirected during Trump’s first year in office.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Means safety is by far our most powerful suicide prevention tool and this is a great example.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
The New York Times @nytimes.com · 20/01/2026
For decades, there had been an average of 30 suicides at the The Golden Gate Bridge each year. With a new miles-long series of stainless-steel nets now strung on both sides of the bridge, there were none in the second half of 2025.
nyti.ms
Suicides Were Frequent at the Golden Gate Bridge. Not Anymore.
For decades, there had been an average of 30 each year. With a new deterrent in place, there were none in the second half of 2025.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Another great piece by the Trace. Cathy’s work is so important!
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Important work here from the NYT. Ross wasn’t run over. He dropped his cell phone, which he had shifted to his left hand to draw his weapon. And then he shot and killed a person with the gun in his right hand. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/15/v...
nytimes.com
Video Analysis of ICE Shooting Sheds Light on Contested Moments
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Christen Rexing, PhD, MPH @christenrexing.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
🚨Call your lawmakers by THURSDAY! Lawmakers are negotiating the final FY26 funding levels for the CDC Injury Center right now! Injuries are the leading cause of death under age 45. Don’t let this key public health infrastructure be destroyed. www.safestates.org/page/Advocac...
safestates.org
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
The US government is trying to diversity their methods for killing the residents of this country. I’ve heard from several people about clinics + programs that will immediately shut down, leaving their communities w/o appropriate mental healthcare resources. There’s no rationale for supporting this.
npr.org
Trump administration sends letter wiping out addiction, mental health grants
The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services. The cuts could total as much as $2 billion.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
It’s that time of year again…
media.tenor.com
a baseball player wearing a pittsburgh jersey is smiling in a dugout .
ALT: a baseball player wearing a pittsburgh jersey is smiling in a dugout .
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
I’m starting to think the Steelers “let’s just never have an offense” strategy might not be our path to the promised land.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Standing with Minneapolis today. We lived very close to where the tragedy unfolded today and we cherished that diverse welcoming community. These are distressing and shameful times and I’m so tired of seeing the various chapters of our lives touched by hatred and violence.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
John Shjarback @shjarback-ccj.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Camden, NJ had 12 murders in 2025 (welcomed progress from its 17 in '24). Yet, it still had the highest homicide rate per 100k (16.7) out of the top 4 most violent "major-urban" cities in NJ last year. Trenton was close behind (15.4), followed by Paterson (10.0) and Newark (9.8).
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Rockefeller Institute of Government @rockefellerinst.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
"I moved into studying gun violence because firearms account for ~50% of suicide deaths, & suicide accounts for ~60% of gun deaths, & we really can’t talk about preventing suicide w/o talking about preventing GV." Our latest RGVRC Member Highlight: Allison E. Bond rockinst.org/blog/rgvrc-m...
rockinst.org
RGVRC Member Highlight: Allison Bond | Rockefeller Institute of Government
Allison Bond sees her studies into gun violence as essential to suicide prevention, using research and clear communication to turn evidence into life-saving impact.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
Come in and know me better, man!
media.tenor.com
a man with a red beard is standing next to a stuffed gnome in front of a building .
ALT: a man with a red beard is standing next to a stuffed gnome in front of a building .
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
This Is Our Lane @thisisourlane.org · 22/12/2025
Firearm owners at highest risk for suicide—older men, racial minorities—rarely seek mental health care. Outreach, counseling, and lethal means interventions must go beyond traditional mental health settings. What are some ways you try to reach community members where they’re at?
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
The Trace @thetrace.org · 21/12/2025
This year has been a turbulent one for academia as a whole, and gun violence research was no exception. But insights about the crisis continued to emerge. Here are some of the most important things researchers learned in 2025: thetr.ac/LVQta
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Rockefeller Institute of Government @rockefellerinst.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
One of the most effective methods for supporting survivors of mass shootings is recognizing and acknowledging their lived experiences, writes RGVRC Executive Director Jaclyn Schildkraut in a blog that poses the question, "How can I help?" rockinst.org/blog/how-can...
rockinst.org
How Can I Help? Supporting Victims and Survivors of the Recent Mass Shootings | Rockefeller Institute of Government
One of the most effective methods for supporting survivors of mass shootings is recognizing and acknowledging their lived experiences, writes Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium Executive Direct...
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
The Trace @thetrace.org · 16/12/2025
Philadelphia is creating a housing plan to build and rehab 30,000 homes over the next four years. Officials and residents hope the initiative will alleviate the city’s long-standing problem of housing affordability — and drive down violent crime.
thetrace.org
Could Philly's $2 Billion Bet on Housing Help Reduce Gun Violence?
Research has found that fixing up abandoned homes can make a city safer. The H.O.M.E Plan calls for building and rehabbing 30,000 homes in four years.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Don’t want to hear about thoughts and prayers. There’s much more that can be done to prevent tragedies like what happened at Brown today.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
I am here once again to remind you that Meet Me in St Louis is a prequel to Child’s Play.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Allie Bond, PhD @alliebond.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
So excited to host our second annual Firearm Suicide Prevention Fellowship! Learn more and apply here: gunviolenceresearchcenter.rutgers.edu/conference/g...
gunviolenceresearchcenter.rutgers.edu
The New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center Firearm Suicide Prevention Fellowship | Rutgers Gun Violence Research Center
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
Society for the Advancement of Injury and Violence Research @thesavir.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
The New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center (GVRC) will be hiring up to three postdoctoral fellows, with these positions beginning in Summer 2026. Learn more: gunviolenceresearchcenter.rutgers.edu/job-opportun...
gunviolenceresearchcenter.rutgers.edu
NJGVRC is hiring - Postdoctoral Positions | Rutgers Gun Violence Research Center
Postdoctoral Fellowships with the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center @njgvrc.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center Is Funding Over $1.1 Million in Firearm Violence Prevention Grants www.rutgers.edu/news/new-jer...
rutgers.edu
New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center Is Funding Over $1.1 Million in Firearm Violence Prevention Grants
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Sneak preview of the @njgvrc.bsky.social arriving in Tempe for the conference!
media.tenor.com
a person is laying in a bathtub filled with foam .
ALT: a person is laying in a bathtub filled with foam .
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Megan Ranney MD MPH @meganranney.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
New paper reminds us yet again: HOMICIDE is the leading cause of death for pregnant women. Gun violence & partner violence are related. All-cause homicide & firearm homicide of pregnant women are higher, in states w/ higher calculated firearm ownership (1/x 🧵 jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com
Firearm Homicide in Pregnant Women and State-Level Firearm Ownership
This cross-sectional study examines firearm homicide rates in pregnant compared with nonpregnant women and whether estimated state-level firearm ownership is associated with homicide deaths among preg...
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
I’m so excited about our portfolio of funded projects this year! This is one of my favorite parts of working at the @njgvrc.bsky.social - there are so many people out there doing amazing work and we get to play a role in facilitating that.
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New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center @njgvrc.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
📢 Check out our latest blog highlighting over 1.1 million grant funding to researchers advancing evidence-based solutions to prevent gun violence. Visit our website to read the full blog⏬ gunviolenceresearchcenter.rutgers.edu/gvrc-blog/11...
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
The @njgvrc.bsky.social is funding over $1.1 million in gun violence prevent research grants this year. We’re doing our best to help fill the void left by the federal government. States like NJ can lead on gun violence prevention. @krisbrown.bradyunited.org @mikiesherrill.bsky.social
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JAMA Network Open @jamanetworkopen.com · 10/11/2025
RCT: Among people released from pretrial jail detention, those who received the Safety Planning Intervention with telephone follow-up experienced 42% fewer suicide events over 12 months compared with enhanced standard care. ja.ma/4oWA6vW
JAMA Network Open graphic shows an RCT on safety planning and suicide prevention after pretrial jail detention. Key findings: SPI group participants had fewer suicide events than ESC group. The study involved 473 men and 182 women.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Governor elect Sherrill!!! Just absolutely fantastic news for New Jersey and for gun violence prevention. So grateful my family found our way to this state.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
JAMA @jama.com · 03/11/2025
In March 2025, the JAMA Summit on Firearm Violence convened thought leaders from medicine, academia, advocacy, government and industry to develop solutions to reduce firearm violence by 2040. 📽️ Hear from the experts themselves and read the report: ja.ma/4hHjJB8
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
The current federal government doesn’t care about preventing gun violence. It cares about asserting power. Just as gun violence numbers drop, reflecting real progress from recent efforts, the Trump administration makes yet another move that punishes success in support of their inane narratives.
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Mike Anestis, PhD @mikeanestis.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Live shot of me on the couch post half marathon.
media.tenor.com
a fat monkey is sitting on a rock and eating a piece of food .
ALT: a fat monkey is sitting on a rock and eating a piece of food .
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The Trace @thetrace.org · 16/10/2025
Americans bought an estimated 1.31 million guns in September 2025, according to an analysis of FBI data. This seasonally adjusted figure includes about 810,000 handguns and 500,000 long guns (rifles and shotguns). Read more: thetr.ac/7FSYs
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
The Trace @thetrace.org · 14/10/2025
In our collaboration with the Maine Monitor, the publication zeroed in on how older Mainers are more likely to die by gun suicide than car crashes. The story highlighted our project on the gun suicide crisis among older Americans. Learn about how the collaboration happened:
datahub.thetrace.org
Behind the Stories: The High Rate of Suicides Among Older Mainers
Here's how The Gun Violence Data Hub and The Maine Monitor collaborated on a story about the alarming prevalence of gun suicides among older residents in the state.
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Reposted by Mike Anestis, PhD
This Is Our Lane @thisisourlane.org · 10/10/2025
Research for firearm safety is under threat! Join Drs. @docjorich.bsky.social @josephsakran.bsky.social @emmybetz.bsky.social @mikeanestis.bsky.social and Fabiola Plaza on Oct 14 at 6:30 p.m. ET Register now at act.bradyunited.org/a/tiol-webin... to save your spot!
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