A ribbon-cutting took place at New York City Health + Hospitals/Lincoln to unveil a brand-new mural raising gun violence awareness.  

The mural, by artist Fernando Romero, features illustrations of real scenes from the South Bronx, inspired by photos taken by the members of the hospital’s gun violence interruption program - Guns Down, Life Up.  

“Guns Down, Life Up is the public hospital’s response to gun violence,” said Christian Matthew, youth representative of the organization. “We do this through intervention, prevention and community mobilization.” 

The mural is part of a larger initiative involving NYC Health + Hospitals, Arts in Medicine, NYC Cultural Affairs and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. Next to each mural section is a QR code that gives the backstory behind the images shown on it.  

“Art is an essential component of the continuum of care to support healthy and vibrant communities,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.