National Soul Box Project Art Installation Makes School of Public Health Debut to Highlight Gun Violence Prevention
PORTLAND, OR – Every day, Americans experience the devastating effects of the gun violence epidemic. The statistics are mind-numbing: an average of over 46,000 people die from firearm injuries in the U.S. each year. Right here in Oregon, an average of 644 Oregonians die from firearm injuries annually. To bring visual awareness to this public health crisis, the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH) Gun Violence Prevention Research Center is now leading the national Soul Box Project organization, which hosts powerful community art exhibits throughout the country. To launch their efforts, the Center will be hosting a Soul Box Project exhibit throughout the month of June for National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
The exhibit is making its School of Public Health debut on the 5th and 6th floors of the Vanport Building. This project serves as a staggering visual representation of the gun violence epidemic. Hundreds of hand-folded, personalized paper “Soul Boxes” from around the country will be on display. Each individual Soul Box holds a physical space for a life lost or impacted by gun violence, carrying a name, an image, or a personal message of protest and hope.
By illustrating the true human cost of gun violence, we are counting victims in memorial exhibits, offering caring solace through making Soul Boxes together, promoting firearm injury prevention efforts, and connecting with other initiatives working for safer, healthier communities. Visitors who wish to participate actively in the movement are invited to do so; the venue will provide all necessary crafting supplies on-site for guests to fold and dedicate their own Soul Boxes to be included in the project.
The event is entirely free and open to the public.
- WHAT: The Soul Box Project School of Public Health Exhibit
- WHEN: June 1st – June 30th, 2026
- WHERE: Vanport Building, 5th & 6th Floors, 1175 SW College St, Portland, OR 97201 (Note: Media parking is available in nearby public structures and designated street parking).
About the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Gun Violence Prevention Research Center
The OHSU-PSU SPH Gun Violence Prevention Research Center utilizes a public health framework to study, understand, and combat the systemic drivers of firearm injury and mortality. By bridging rigorous academic research with community-led advocacy and art initiatives like the Soul Box Project, the Center works to foster evidence-based policies and supportive community environments across Oregon. To learn more about the Center or to be added to the Center’s newsletter email list, please reach out through the contact form on the Center website.