Stop the Iron Pipeline: Lifebridge Health Inspires Action Against Illegal Gun Trafficking

LifeBridge Health, a leading health system in Maryland, teamed with purpose-driven creative agency StrawberryFrog to launch “Stop the Iron Pipeline,” an initiative that aims to make Marylanders aware of illegal gun trafficking and encourage them to take action. Maryland has the nation’s highest rate of out-of-state illegal gun imports, which account for two-thirds of all gun crimes in the state. Traffickers bring guns in from other states along Route I-95, a major north-south corridor known as the “Iron Pipeline.” 

The Stop the Iron Pipeline movement aims to give a voice to those impacted by gun violence, which patients and community members say affects their health and well-being. 

“Being exposed to violence can create long-term and adverse health effects,” said Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health. “We hope the Stop the Iron Pipeline movement can help community members come together, raise our voices and address this public health crisis. As a community-focused health system, we believe we are in a unique position to see what we can do together to decrease its impact.”

In a 2024 community health-needs assessment, respondents named gun violence, neighbourhood safety and gun safety among their top health-related social concerns. In June 2024, the surgeon general declared firearm violence to be a public health crisis.

Maryland leads the nation in the rate of illegally trafficked guns used in crimes - nearly three times the national average, according to a 2020 Giffords Law Centre to Prevent Gun Violence analysis. Columbia University research published this year in JAMA Network Open concluded interstate gun transfers are a major contributor to gun crime, injury and death in the US. 

The Stop the Iron Pipeline initiative kicks off with a powerful music video that illustrates the dangers of the Iron Pipeline by following the road trip of a gun trafficker and concluding with him selling a gun to a teenager. The centrepiece is an anthem called “Pipeline,” written by Maryland native Logic, a Grammy-nominated hip hop artist and mental health advocate. 

“Logic created an anthem that embodies the spirit of the mission and vividly articulates the societal impact of gun violence and the threats of the Iron Pipeline,” said StrawberryFrog’s chief creative officer Tyler DeAngelo. “Working with a musician who is passionate about the cause and able to connect with a younger audience is vital to our movement and creating change. 

Logic’s passion, combined with his musical prowess and Maryland roots, made him the ideal artist for this initiative. Thirteen young singers from Baltimore-area music school Resonate Baltimore, who range in age from five to 13, provided back-up vocals on the track.

"Growing up in Maryland, I saw how gun violence tears apart families and communities - it’s an issue that hits close to home and feels deeply personal to me. That’s why I’m proud to support the Stop The Iron Pipeline initiative. Smuggled guns are fuelling so much of the bloodshed, and this effort is about cutting off that supply and making a real difference” said Logic. “I contributed to this powerful project in the way I know best - through music and lyrics - telling the story of The Iron Pipeline and the impact it has. My hope is that this initiative helps create a better, safer future for the next generation."

“From the very first call, we were captivated by the vision and the critical mission to prevent gun trafficking. It’s been an honour to contribute to such a powerful project, where music amplifies a vital message. Playing a key role in the development process has been both inspiring and rewarding. From the outset, we knew Logic was the ideal artist to champion this cause - his artistry and dedication to addressing critical social issues brought unparalleled depth and authenticity to the project. We’re proud to have been part of this important work and eagerly anticipate its impact,” says Sydney Ferleger, president of The Music Playground, an award-winning music production and supervision house who partnered with StrawberryFrog to oversee the music and video production. 

“We wanted to find an engaging way to reach people - particularly younger generations - and we saw a way to engage and energise them through the power of music,” said Brian Deffaa, chief marketing officer for LifeBridge Health. “Firearms are a leading cause of death among children and teens in the US, and young people are a driving force in societal movements around issues that impact them.”

The anthem and three-and-a-half-minute short film will run on social media. Vignettes will air on local broadcast media, streaming services, and other outlets. Stop the Iron Pipeline will also be featured in print and billboard advertising across the state, including Washington, D.C. 

StopTheIronPipeline.org, which was developed by marketing agency Planit, serves as the initiative’s hub where community members can learn more about the Iron Pipeline and take action to share their concerns. The website will host a petition that visitors can sign to share their support and advocate for action from Maryland’s Centre for Firearm Violence and Prevention. A portal will connect visitors with their representatives at the national and state level. Community members are encouraged to post their personal stories through the site, as well as one- to two-minute videos through social media using the hashtag: #stoptheironpipeline.