LifeBridge Health

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Stop The Iron Pipeline

LifeBridge Health, a health care system with five hospitals serving central Maryland, launched the Stop the Iron Pipeline program in fall 2024 to address illegal gun trafficking along Interstate 95, known as the “Iron Pipeline.”

The campaign responds to alarming statistics: Nationwide, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Maryland has among the nation’s highest rates of out-of-state illegal gun imports, accounting for two-thirds of all gun crimes in the state.

The centerpiece of the campaign is an anthem called “Pipeline,” written by Maryland native and Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Logic. The song accompanies a three-and-a-half-minute film depicting a gun trafficker’s journey, ending with him selling a gun to a teenager.

“LifeBridge Health’s mission is to care for people and our communities, and gun violence is affecting our communities, including people’s physical, mental and emotional health,” said Brian Deffaa, chief marketing officer at LifeBridge. “No place is immune from gun violence, and we know that being exposed to violence can create long-term and adverse health effects.”

The campaign website serves as a hub where visitors can learn about the issue, sign a petition and connect with representatives. Nearly 4,000 Marylanders have already signed the petition.

The initiative has garnered significant attention, with Logic’s song being streamed more than a million times. It has also supported new legislation in Maryland, specifically Senate Bill 0443, which increases penalties for illegal interstate gun trafficking.

“Many Marylanders are likely unaware of the Iron Pipeline and its detrimental impact on our state,” Deffaa noted. “Stop the Iron Pipeline represents a unique opportunity to educate and engage with our fellow citizens and encourage action to ultimately reduce the impact of gun violence.”

The campaign was developed by LifeBridge Health President and CEO Neil Meltzer and Deffaa, who worked with creative agency Strawberry Frog and several media partners. The Baltimore Field Division of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also supported the initiative.

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