Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence’s Post

WATCH NOW: The Aspen Institute recently held a discussion with public health experts -- including our founder Bill Frist, M.D. -- to discuss what it would take to solve our country's most devastating public health crisis right now - gun violence. The experts touched on topics such as community violence intervention and examining the impact of gun policies. Let us know what you think in the comments!

On Tuesday, June 25, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a sobering advisory highlighting a critical public health crisis: gun violence has become the leading cause of death among children and adolescents. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of gun violence and to protect the nation’s youth. The advisory calls for a multifaceted approach, including improved mental health services, stricter gun control laws, community engagement, and educational programs aimed at preventing violence. Dr. Murthy’s advisory emphasizes the devastating impact that gun violence has on families and communities, urging policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators to collaborate in creating safer environments for children. He points out that while policy interventions are essential, community-based initiatives that foster resilience and provide support systems for at-risk youth are equally crucial. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, it is possible to reduce incidents of gun violence and mitigate its effects on young lives. The advisory also highlights the role of research and data in combating gun violence. Dr. Murthy advocates for increased funding for studies that explore the causes and consequences of gun violence, as well as the effectiveness of various prevention strategies. By leveraging data-driven insights, policymakers can make informed decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of children and adolescents. Through a united effort, it is hoped that the nation can turn the tide on this tragic epidemic and ensure a safer future for the younger generation. #gunviolenceawareness #gangs #intervention #awareness

The myth that mentally ill people are inherently violent is harmful stigma - the data shows most gun deaths are actually self-directed violence (suicide). And because federal funding for research on this public health crisis has been restricted for decades, we've been left in the dark about what inherently drives gun violence and how to prevent it through evidence-based solutions. From what I understand, by prioritizing this as a public health crisis through funding a scientific study, we can better understand how to save lives. - Kelli Smithgall https://lnkd.in/g2ua5_NG #mentalhealthawareness #gunviolenceawareness

The U.S. Surgeon General's advisory on gun violence as a public health issue represents a significant step towards addressing this epidemic.     Our Center pioneered the public health approach to combatting gun violence. Many of the advisory’s recommendations align with the goals our research has promoted for decades.    By following the approach developed by the experts at the Center and advancing effective, evidence-based strategies, the surgeon general has shown he is amplifying our work to create a safer future for all Americans.  https://lnkd.in/eaVSbQht 

The courage to call it what it is. The report and recommendations are well presented, with sobering graphics, and includes a Public Health Approach to Firearm Injury and Violence Prevention. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/e67g27-8 https://lnkd.in/eZBXYD9s

🚨 The Surgeon General declares gun violence a public health crisis! How do you feel about this declaration and its potential impact on public policy? Share your thoughts and join the conversation! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eFarf2rR Visit @Glcnd_Center for more updates and follow us to stay informed: 👉 Website: glcnd.com 👉 Twitter: @Glcnd_Center 👉 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eUEaDWd7 #GunViolence #PublicHealthCrisis #SurgeonGeneral #PublicPolicy #ScienceNews #GLCND Share your thoughts in the comments!

It is so tragic to see this headline. We must raise our voices and demand measures be enacted to better protect children from gun violence. How many more children must die before serious preventive action is taken? This article reports on study findings that gun-related deaths of U.S. children are rising at “alarming” rate. Data shows that firearm fatalities are the leading cause of accidental death in children, while poisonings have also risen in past decade. Children deserve a safe environment where they can learn, explore, play, and flourish. https://lnkd.in/g3tw5cqf

We need to treat the gun violence epidemic for what it is: a public health crisis. Read our new article on the public health approach to GVP and join us in taking action to prevent gun violence in our communities: https://lnkd.in/g8pFGch6

Gun Violence is a Problem. I had the honor of spending some time this morning with James Dobbins Director of Community Affairs and Hospital-Based Violence Intervention/Prevention Programs (HVIPs) at NYC Health + Hospitals. He has been working with the Arts in Medicine department on a collaboration with artist in residence Modesto Flako Jimenez of Oye Group to highlight this important program. Guns Down, Life Up (GDLU) is a call to action to break the cycle of violence and empower youth to fulfill their potential by leading safer, healthier lives. GDLU is a movement that demonstrates how violence can be and must be PREVENTED and INTERRUPTED. At NYC Health + Hospitals there is significant work being done to address gun violence. GDLU’s goal is to reduce violent injuries to young people, ages 10-18, so that they NEVER end up as trauma patients in hospital facilities. Objectives Include: 1. Increase young people’s engagement in positive, adult-supervised activities 2. Improve participants’ physical and mental health 3. Improve participants’ academic performance, including grade advancement and high achievement 4. Reduce likelihood of justice system involvement 5. Reduce idle time and risk behaviors 6. Develop violence reduction strategies with community members The hallway behind us is going to be transformed by artist Fernando Romero in the coming weeks with work in partnership with the youth in the GDLU program and at an event at Carnegie Hall on November 14th that will further amplify our HVIPs. Learn more about this program: https://lnkd.in/e86PpwHe

The Surgeon General has declared gun violence a public health crisis. Read more about his reasoning and the potential impact such a declaration might have on policy change. Then, follow Life Sciences to End Gun Violence Epidemic to learn about ways #lifescience companies and leaders can help.