Each year over 30,000 Americans die as a result of gun violence. Gun violence is currently the second leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, after car accidents. In 1998, 3,792 of those who died were 19 or under.
YHAHV was founded in 1999 by a group of Harvard undergraduates who felt the need to take action against gun violence through raising awareness about the issue. Over the past year, YHAHV has hosted a number of events, including speakers such as Massachusetts State Senator Cheryl Jacques. This year, the group is kicking-off the year by hosting First Monday 2000 on October 2.