Children's Defense Fund’s Post

The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued firearm violence in America a public health crisis in a landmark advisory. This urgent call to action emphasizes the need for critical research investments to understand and prevent firearm violence, particularly in cases involving domestic violence. At the National Domestic Violence Hotline, we recognize the critical importance of policies like Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) in safeguarding individuals at risk. By building distance between firearms and those who may harm others, we can create safer environments for victims and survivors. Learn more: https://bit.ly/45DvK4q #FirearmViolence #DomesticViolence

Firearm violence is a devastating chronic problem in the U.S.; I would even classify it as a public health emergency that needs the attention of both Congress and communities. A recent study found that firearms are the leading cause of death in children and adolescents between the ages of 1 and 19 between 2002-2022. If we want to protect future generations from gun violence, we need to take it seriously as a public health issue. We must see past party lines and acknowledge this is a preventable problem. Even if gun reform and regulation save just one child's life, it'll be worth it. #GunViolence #PublicHealth #PublicHealthEmergency

Firearm violence shouldn't be about politics. Other things that have caused even fewer deaths are often swiftly addressed, but addressing firearm deaths rarely go beyond 'thoughts and prayers' and it happens again and again. Simply addressing accidental shootings (responsible gun ownership) and suicide (better recognition of mental health issues and access to crisis care) will decrease firearm deaths significantly, especially among youth. This isn't about infringing on anyone's 2A rights, it's about decreasing deaths. It's about responsible gun ownership. It's about mental health. Maybe you don't agree with all of the recommendations in this report. You don't have to. But I hope everyone agrees that we need to move the needle and that platitudes, thoughts, and prayers haven't made a damn bit of difference. This is a crisis of public health and by ignoring it, we've allowed it to become a crisis of morality. https://lnkd.in/gEEkXYCg

Very informative piece. The parts I pulled from it and found most interesting given my role in the system and being consistently concerned about moving further upstream in prevention is as follows: A public health approach to reducing gun violence offers a proactive and preventive strategy that can help decrease youth involvement in the juvenile justice system. This model, which has proven successful in addressing issues like smoking and motor vehicle deaths, focuses on prevention rather than punishment. The article includes the key reasons for choosing a public health approach to this crisis: Comprehensive strategy: It involves multiple sectors, including healthcare providers, law enforcement, community leaders, and firearm owners. Evidence-based: The approach relies on scientific methods to define the problem, identify risk factors, develop prevention strategies, and ensure widespread adoption. Preventive focus: By addressing root causes and risk factors, it can stop violence before it occurs, reducing the number of youth entering the justice system. Continuous improvement: The model allows for ongoing evaluation and refinement of strategies based on new evidence. Community involvement: It emphasizes collaboration between state/federal leaders and local organizations, ensuring culturally appropriate and community-specific solutions. By implementing evidence-based prevention strategies, educating the public, and addressing systemic issues, a public health approach can reduce youth exposure to and participation in gun violence. This upstream intervention can significantly decrease the number of young people entering the juvenile justice system, offering a more effective alternative. I would love to hear your thoughts and key takeaways. #gunviolence #prevention #ouryoungpeople

Kudos to our Chair, Rinad Beidas, PhD, on her work in "Long-term consequences of youth exposure to firearm injury," which was cited in an article about firearm violence in Northwestern Now. https://lnkd.in/guKAep3z

🚨 Firearm Violence is a Public Health Crisis On June 25, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued the “Surgeon General's Advisory on Firearm Violence”, officially recognizing firearm violence as a public health crisis in the United States. This historic announcement underscores the severe threat gun violence poses to Americans' health and well-being, recognizing it as a public health concern that affects the nation across the board—from direct victims and their loved ones to communities grappling with ongoing street violence or recovering from mass shootings. 🔑 Key to addressing this crisis: Community Violence Interventions (CVI) In a pivotal step forward, the Advisory emphasizes CVIs as a credible and effective strategy to support populations with increased risk of firearm violence involvement. As lead evaluators for Advance Peace, our Center has been at the forefront of assessing the instrumental role of CVIs in working to heal individuals and communities. (Learn more about the Advance Peace model in our Nature article: https://lnkd.in/dvwjnaGR) 💡Impact in Action This recent article on Wilx10 (https://lnkd.in/gAphveqS) highlights our report from Lansing, MI. It estimates that 40 shootings were prevented in just two years thanks to Advance Peace's work - a powerful testament to CVI's effectiveness. (More reports from other cities can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/dUBFmBNq) 🌟 Moving Forward Communities affected by gun violence have the capacity to co-create their own healing strategies. In light of the recent Advisory, we hope to see increased support for evidence-based, community-driven interventions. These approaches do more than save lives – they transform them.

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has officially declared firearm violence a public health crisis. This urgent advisory comes in the wake of yet another weekend marred by mass shootings, leaving dozens dead or injured across the nation. Dr. Murthy's declaration underscores the need for immediate action to address the epidemic of gun violence that continues to devastate communities. By recognizing firearm violence as a public health issue, Dr. Murthy is calling for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths. Stonemont Security believes in leveraging advanced technology to combat this crisis. Implementing next-gen solutions like artificial intelligence on existing security cameras can help prevent and mitigate the impact of gun violence, providing a proactive approach to save lives. No matter where you stand on policy changes, adopting technology to enhance public safety is a critical step forward. Let's prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities, ensuring a secure environment for everyone. #GunViolence #PublicHealthCrisis #SafetyFirst #TechnologyForGood https://lnkd.in/gJQMeicB

⚡️ According to the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, firearm violence is a public health crisis in America, disproportionately impacting Black communities. Key findings include: Leading Cause of Death: Since 2020, firearm-related injury has been the leading cause of death for U.S. children and adolescents (ages 1–19). High Firearm-Related Death Rates: In 2022, 48,204 people died from firearm-related injuries. Disproportionate Impacts: Black individuals have the highest age-adjusted firearm homicide rates, and Black children and adolescents account for about half of all firearm-related deaths among U.S. children and adolescents. Community Exposure: Exposure to firearm violence elevates stress levels and mental health challenges within entire communities. Community violence interventions (CVI) are essential public health solutions, especially in Black communities where firearm homicide rates are disproportionately high. CVI strategies disrupt cycles of violence and connect individuals at risk with services addressing trauma and improving social and economic circumstances. We are credible messengers, with tailored strategies based on our connection to our communities. We will continue to advocate for community-led solutions and address the systems perpetuating this crisis. This work is part of a public health approach, and it's time everyone takes action. Ask yourself, from your position, what can you do to join us in ending gun violence so we all can live free? Thank you to Pastor michael mcbride, Executive Director of LIVE FREE USA, Thomas Bowen, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement, and Gregory Jackson Jr., Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, for your leadership. We look forward to continued inclusion and action until we all can be safe and live free. Faith leaders, join us by taking action and joining our network: https://lnkd.in/eHjVtZgF Read the U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Firearm Violence by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gvimjjsR Film producer: Matt Anderson Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, Tiffany Peppers Antonio Cediel Hannah Naomi Jones #EndGunViolence #LiveFreeUSA #PublicHealth #FaithLeaders #CommunityLeaders #CVI

Really important article!

Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis that demands urgent action, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has declared in a major new advisory that pushes for more research and stronger laws designed to reduce harm. It’s the first time a publication from the country’s leading voice for public health has focused on firearm violence and its “profound consequences” on survivors, communities, and mental health. In 2022 alone, more than 48,000 people in the US died from firearm-related injuries, according to provisional data. That number included homicides, suicides and unintentional deaths. And according to the Surgeon General, gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1 to 19. Here's the latest: https://lnkd.in/eSUWNpBQ