Firearm Injury Prevention and Patient Safety: Online Course-Gun Violence Fact Sheet

Gun Violence Fact Sheet

Pdf Summary

Gun violence is a significant public health issue in the United States, causing a disproportionate number of deaths and injuries compared to other countries. In the U.S., more than 39,000 people die annually due to gun violence, and many more suffer non-fatal injuries. This violence affects people of all ages and races but has a higher impact on young adults, males, and racial/ethnic minorities. Guns are commonly used in mass shootings and suicide attempts, with firearms accounting for half of all suicide deaths.<br /><br />The cost of gun violence in the U.S. is substantial, amounting to $229 billion in 2015. This includes expenses related to work loss, medical care, emergency transportation, criminal justice activities, and decreased quality of life. Gun violence is preventable through a comprehensive public health approach that focuses on surveillance, identifying risk and protective factors, developing interventions, and implementing successful prevention strategies.<br /><br />To combat gun violence effectively, it is crucial to continue surveillance efforts to gather comprehensive data. Additionally, more research is needed to better understand the causes of gun violence and develop appropriate solutions. Implementing commonsense gun policies is also important, including requiring criminal background checks for all firearms purchases and reinstating the federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that allow temporary firearm removal for those deemed at risk should be enacted.<br /><br />The American Public Health Association (APHA) advocates for these measures and urges Congress to adequately fund surveillance efforts and remove restrictions on gun violence research. APHA also supports the passage of legislation such as the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and the ERPO Act to enhance the nation's public health response to gun violence. By implementing these actions, communities can become safer for everyone and prevent further loss of life.

Keywords

gun violence

public health issue

United States

deaths

injuries

mass shootings

suicide attempts

cost of gun violence

prevention strategies

gun policies