Ongoing Struggles: Oronde McClain and Gun Violence Survivors Highlight Urgent Need for Support

The bullet caused severe damage, leading to McClain’s heart-stopping for over two minutes.

Oronde McClain, now 33, was struck by a stray bullet on a Philadelphia street corner at the age of 10

Though he was revived, he never fully recovered. Half of his skull was replaced with a gel plate, but he still deals with shrapnel and is partly paralyzed on his right side. Oronde McClain faces seizures and post-traumatic stress disorder and endured a seven-week coma and two years in a wheelchair. Oronde McClain attempted suicide as a teenager.

A recent study in Health Affairs found that child and adolescent survivors of gun violence are more likely to experience pain disorders, psychiatric diagnoses, and substance use disorders. The study also revealed that being shot adds an average of $35,000 to healthcare costs. Oronde McClain’s family faced financial challenges, as insurance did not cover all expenses.

The impact of a child’s shooting also affects the entire family, with parents experiencing a 30% increase in psychiatric disorders

Caregivers may neglect their own needs. Survivors often require ongoing care from various specialists, posing additional challenges in rural areas.

Oronde McClain, who co-produced a documentary about gun violence survivors, is working to improve news coverage on the subject. Oronde McClain believes that survivors are often forgotten victims and emphasizes the importance of support for those affected by gun violence.

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