**Surgeon General Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis**
Gun violence in the United States has reached alarming levels, prompting Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to declare it a public health crisis. This declaration comes as the nation grapples with the devastating impact of gun-related injuries and deaths, which have surged in recent years.
**A Growing Epidemic**
As of mid-2023, over 21,000 people have died due to gun-related injuries in the United States. Public health officials and doctors are increasingly referring to this rise in gun violence as an epidemic. Patrick Carter, director of the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, emphasized that the consistent year-over-year increase in gun deaths and injuries mirrors the sudden spikes typically associated with epidemics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an epidemic as a sudden outbreak or unexpected spike in an illness within a specific area. The term has been used for infectious diseases and other crises like opioid addiction. The label creates a sense of urgency, highlighting the need for immediate action.
**Surgeon General’s Stance**
Surgeon General Murthy has long called gun violence an epidemic. In a January interview with NPR’s Here and Now, he stated, “Whenever you have a large number of people dying from preventable reasons, that constitutes a public health crisis. And that has been the case for gun violence, sadly, in our country for a long time.” President Biden has also referred to the increase in gun violence as a “gun violence epidemic,” underscoring the severity of the issue.
**Impact on Public Health**
The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research held a symposium in February titled “Addressing Gun Violence as a Public Health Epidemic.” Experts at the symposium discussed strategies beyond prosecuting gun crimes, focusing on prevention, harm reduction, and cultural shifts. According to Pew Research Center, gun deaths increased by 23% from 2019 to 2021, with 48,830 gun-related deaths in 2021, the highest on record.
Daniel Webster, director of the Center for Gun Violence Prevention and Policy at Johns Hopkins, described the level of violence as a public health emergency. He noted that gun violence is a leading cause of death for young people and has significant mental health impacts even on those not directly affected.
**Current Statistics and Trends**
Gun violence appeared to slightly decrease in 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic subsided. However, the final number of gun-related deaths for that year is still being tallied. In 2023, gun violence continues to be a significant issue, with over 300 mass shootings reported so far. Half of the gun-related deaths this year were suicides.
Chicago experienced a particularly violent Juneteenth and Memorial Day weekend, with 75 people shot and 13 killed over Juneteenth. Similar incidents occurred in other states, including Idaho, California, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin.
**Historical Context**
The United States has faced similar levels of gun violence before. In 2021, there were 14.6 gun deaths per 100,000 people, the highest rate since the early 1990s. In the 1990s, the rise in gun deaths was also referred to as an epidemic by the National Institutes of Health. During that period, increased production of cheap guns and lax enforcement by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms contributed to the surge in violence.
**Public Health Approach**
Patrick Carter believes that viewing gun violence as a public health issue can lead to data-driven solutions. Surgeon General Murthy has resisted calls to publish a report on gun violence similar to the 1964 report on smoking but continues to advocate for more research and data on the causes of gun violence.
The American Medical Association (AMA) declared gun violence a public health crisis in 2016 and has since proposed several measures to reduce firearm-related injuries and deaths. These include strengthening background checks, limiting the sale of multiple firearms, and encouraging social media companies to remove posts glorifying gun violence.
**Legislative Efforts**
Congressman Dan Goldman and Congressman Adriano Espaillat introduced a resolution declaring gun violence a public health crisis. The resolution urges a coordinated, whole-of-government effort to address the issue and calls for the CDC to continue its work on violence prevention. It also supports local and state resolutions declaring gun violence a public health crisis.
Goldman has co-sponsored several pieces of gun violence prevention legislation, including an assault weapons ban, a bipartisan bill for universal background checks, and Ethan’s Law, which mandates safe firearm storage. He has also called for an end to the bump stock loophole and supported legislation to establish a federal “red flag” program.
**Community and Professional Support**
Surgeon General Murthy’s declaration has received support from various communities, including medical, public health, and tech sectors. Dr. Joseph Sakran, a trauma surgeon and gun violence survivor, expressed frustration with the lack of action on gun violence. He emphasized the need for prevention and called for more executive action on background checks and banning assault weapons.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) have also called for increased funding for gun violence prevention research and common-sense laws to protect communities. The American College of Physicians (ACP) has urged physicians to counsel patients on firearm safety and has called for immediate public health interventions.
**Conclusion**
Declaring gun violence a public health crisis is a crucial step in addressing the issue. It highlights the need for a coordinated effort to implement data-driven solutions and preventive measures. As Surgeon General Murthy and other public health officials continue to advocate for change, the hope is that this declaration will lead to meaningful action to reduce gun violence and its devastating impact on American communities.
Source: NPR, The Trace, Pew Research Center, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, American College of Physicians
