About Gunwise
“ Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy.”
— Max Mayfield
Our Mission:
At Gunwise, our mission is to make communities safer by equipping individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to prevent firearm-related tragedies. Through education, advocacy, collaboration, and innovation, we empower our partners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to create meaningful change and promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
Our Vision:
A nation where firearm safety education is accessible to all, fostering safer communities, empowering individuals, and reducing firearm-related tragedies through education, collaboration, advocacy, and innovation.
Our Values:
- Education: We believe knowledge is the foundation of safety and strive to empower individuals and communities with life-saving skills.
- Advocacy: We are committed to raising awareness of important safety issues and supporting those working to protect and uplift their communities.
- Collaboration: We partner with community leaders, healthcare providers, and social service teams to create meaningful and lasting change.
- Innovation: We continuously develop and refine our training programs to meet the evolving needs of the students we serve.
- Non-Partisanship: We deliver unbiased, politically neutral training to ensure inclusivity and focus on safety above all else.
- Responsibility: We uphold the belief that firearm ownership comes with the moral and legal responsibility to handle and store firearms safely and know the laws relating to firearms.
- Empowerment: We strive to instill competence and confidence in every individual we educate, enabling them to make a real difference in their home, organization and community.
José Morales is a U.S. Army Veteran and a multi-certified Firearms Instructor with over 30 years of teaching experience. Driven by a passion to reduce firearm-related tragedies, José works closely with communities and healthcare organizations to promote safety and education.
As the co-founder of Gunwise USA, José collaborates with his wife, Dr. Merle Carter—a nationally recognized leader in Academic Emergency Medicine. Together, they bring a unique and impactful perspective to addressing firearm safety needs within Philadelphia communities and the healthcare and social organizations that serve them.
José’s extensive experience includes partnerships with local and regional healthcare specialists in interpersonal and gun violence prevention. He has contributed to National Institutes of Health-funded firearm safety studies at the University of Pennsylvania and collaborated with organizations such as Temple University’s Department of Psychiatry, Temple University Hospital's Safety Net, Einstein Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics, and CeaseFirePA, among others.
Dr. Merle Carter is a highly respected emergency physician with over two decades of experience in urban trauma centers in Philadelphia and Boston. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine, she currently serves as the Executive Vice-Chair of Emergency Medicine at the Jefferson Einstein Healthcare Network.
Dr. Carter’s expertise spans graduate medical education, trauma-informed care, health equity, firearm safety, and empowering communities through civic engagement. In her leadership role, she manages faculty affairs, strategic planning, and the professional development of clinical and academic faculty. Her distinguished career includes serving as Residency Program Director for two residency programs, Vice President and Officer of Einstein’s Medical Staff Board, and Vice President for Graduate Medical Education across the network.
Since 2014, Dr. Carter has been a managing partner, assistant instructor, and medical consultant for Philly Firearms Academy (PFA). She has expanded her work to support healthcare organizations by providing essential education and training to reduce gun violence and firearm-related injuries, making a lasting impact on the communities she serves.
Education
We believe that knowledge is the essential foundation of safety. Through comprehensive education, we transform uncertainty into confidence, enabling people to act decisively and effectively in critical moments. By sharing this vital knowledge, we help build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the power to protect themselves and others.
Advocacy
Our commitment extends beyond education; we are passionate advocates for a safer world. We use our voice at the local, regional and national level to shine a light on firearm safety issues, ensuring they receive the attention they deserve. By championing the tireless efforts of local heroes—the individuals and groups dedicated to protecting their neighborhoods—we help amplify their impact. Our advocacy is about building momentum for positive change, fostering a supportive environment where community protection and well-being are a shared priority.
Collaboration
We understand that creating meaningful, lasting change is not something we can do alone. True impact comes from collaboration. This is why we forge strong partnerships with healthcare providers, social service organizations, and dedicated community leaders. By uniting our expertise and resources, we build a comprehensive network of partners to addresses safety from every angle. Together, we work to implement solutions that are not only effective but also deeply integrated into the fabric of the communities we serve, ensuring a sustainable legacy of well-being.
Creation
The world is constantly changing, and so are the safety challenges that communities face. To stay ahead, we are dedicated to continuous reevaluation of our programs. We actively listen to and learn from the people we serve, allowing us to develop and refine our training programs to address their specific, real-world needs. This commitment to evolving our content ensures that our education is always relevant, practical, and effective. By embracing innovation, we provide communities with the most current tools and knowledge to build a safer future.
