Washington — Following is a statement by Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association, in response to a new advisory from the surgeon general on gun violence:
“APA applauds the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, which serves as an urgent call for action. Addressing gun violence is a pressing public health issue that requires solutions grounded in research, data and the voice of communities. Now we must use this information to advance science-based public policy that saves lives and prevents injury.
“This advisory puts the data regarding gun violence in America front and center—and the picture is appalling. Firearms are now the leading cause of death among our children and adolescents. And the impact of gun violence reverberates across communities, leading to collective trauma, stress and anxiety.
“Because access to a firearm is the common denominator in gun violence, preventing access to firearms for people who are a danger to themselves or others is key to prevention. Additionally, the secure storage of firearms is critical to preventing suicides and unintentional shootings, especially as they pertain to children. We also cannot continue to blame mental illness for the gun violence in our country. This view is simplistic, inaccurate and goes against the scientific evidence.
“We know enough about the causes of gun violence to take steps to prevent it. As a nation, we must find the willpower to take these steps and save lives.”