US surgeon general declares gun violence a public health crisis

In an unprecedented move, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on firearm violence , emphasizing the urgent threat posed by gun violence to the health and well-being of the nation. The announcement coincided with the release of statistics by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding gun-related incidents.

According to the DHHS report, gun violence has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only those physically harmed by firearms but also witnesses, loved ones and communities. Collective trauma and fear surrounding gun violence permeate society, including schools.

Since 2020, gun-related injuries have become the leading cause of death among American children and adolescents aged 1-19. In 2022 alone, the U.S. witnessed over 48,000 firearm-related deaths — an increase of 8,000 from 2019 and 16,000 from 2010.

Gun homicide rates in 2022 were highest among Black or African American populations, with 27 deaths per 100,000 individuals, compared to 6.2 per 100,000 for all races. Additionally, white individuals aged 45 and older had the highest suicide rate related to firearms (14.8 per 100,000).

The DHHS underscored the disproportionate impact of gun violence on males. Males aged 1-19 were five times more likely than their female counterparts to die from firearm-related injuries (3,926 males vs. 677 females in 2022).

While mass shootings media coverage, they account for only about 1% of all firearm-related deaths. However, their frequency is increasing.

Between 2020 and 2023, the U.S. experienced over 600 mass shooting incidents annually, compared to an average of 400 per year between 2015 and 2018.

“Our children should not live in fear of getting shot at school, nor should any of us fear attending public places like malls, concerts, or houses of worship," Murthy said. "Addressing firearm violence is a moral imperative.”

A recent survey revealed that 51% of teens worry about shootings at their schools or nearby, while 79% of adults experience stress due to the possibility of mass shootings. Fear even prevents some from going certain places.

Murthy recommends a multifaceted approach to combat gun violence, including community violence prevention programs, risk reduction strategies, improved mental health services and expanded research funding.

“Firearm violence is a public health crisis,” Murthy said. “To protect Americans, especially our children, we must act now.”

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