An upcoming conference hosted by Association for Mental Health and Wellness will aim to shed light on gun violence trauma and its impact on youth in today’s society.

“The Invisible Wound: Helping our Youth Heal from the Trauma of Gun Violence” is slated for Friday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Radisson Long Island Hotel in Hauppauge.

“Gun violence is profoundly affecting our youth,” Colleen Merlo, CEO of Association for Mental Health and Wellness, said in a news release. “This conference is a crucial step in addressing this important issue, allowing mental health professionals and concerned individuals to gather the knowledge and tools needed to assist young people to heal from these traumatic experiences.”

Nina Vinik, an attorney, is the conference’s keynote speaker.  She is the founder and executive director of Project Unloaded, an initiative focusing on addressing the issues surrounding gun violence. She brings extensive knowledge in law and advocacy for gun violence prevention, and offers  perspectives on implementing strategies to curb gun violence and its traumatic impact on youth.

The conference is expected to draw a diverse group of attendees, including mental health professionals, educators, and youth workers, providing a platform for the exploration of solutions to address trauma.

Additional presenters are Katie Peinovich, a licensed master social worker who has provided trauma treatment to New York City children in school and community settings for more than two decades, and Sergio Argueta, a licensed master social worker, who founded  S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. (Struggling To Reunite Our New Gene).