Gun Violence Is a Public Health Crisis

Gun Violence Awareness Day (Photo – Edward Kimmel)

U.S. Attorney General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, declared firearm violence in America a public health crisis.

By News Desk

Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States, and 54% of American adults reported that they or a family member have experienced a firearm-related incident.  On June 25, 2024, Dr. Murthy announced a General Advisory to prevent gun violence.

L.A. County is already using these strategies

Many of the strategies highlighted in the Surgeon General Advisory are already being implemented in Los Angeles County to prevent deaths and injuries due to firearms.

Earlier in 2024, the Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention launched an unprecedented effort to promote gun safety, distributing 60,000 gun safety locks – free, no questions asked. The Office of Violence Prevention is also initiating an awareness campaign to increase the utilization of Gun Violence Restraining Orders, which can be used if a loved one, dating partner, co-worker, or family member with access to a gun poses a significant risk of harm to themselves or others.

“The Surgeon General’s declaration is further evidence of the administration’s extraordinary commitment to eliminating gun violence in American society,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “We look forward to working with the administration to build safer communities in Los Angeles County and across the country.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, issued a statement in support of the U.S. Surgeon General declaration.  Her statement concluded with “America is awash in guns – there are more guns than people living in the U.S. – and multiple studies conclusively prove that increased gun ownership equates to more gun homicides. Simply put, more guns lead to more gun violence.”

In addition to L.A. County, ten national medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Surgeons, and the American Public Health Association, issued statements of support of the Surgeon General’s announcement.