On Tuesday, the U.S. Surgeon General declared gun violence in the country a public health crisis, urging Americans to take action against the increasing firearm-related deaths and their widespread impacts, especially on Black Americans and other communities.
Historic advisory
In an unprecedented public health advisory on gun violence, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy detailed the devastating and far-reaching consequences on public well-being. He called for increased research funding, improved mental health access, and measures like secure storage to mitigate harm. “Firearm violence is an urgent public health crisis that has led to loss of life, unimaginable pain, and profound grief for far too many Americans,” Murthy stated.
Beyond the numbers
Murthy emphasized that the impact of gun violence extends far beyond the staggering annual death toll of 50,000. Millions are affected, including those who have been shot, survivors, witnesses, bereaved families, and individuals constantly exposed to such news. He noted that declaring gun violence a public health issue elevates its priority, similar to the historic advisory on tobacco products. He highlighted that gun violence is now the leading cause of death among children and teens.
Prioritizing public health
“My hope with this advisory is that we can actually take it out of the realm of politics and put it into the realm of public health, which is where it belongs,” Murthy stated in a CNN interview. He warned that the rate of firearm-related deaths has been steadily rising, with more than half in 2022 resulting from suicides, followed by homicides and accidental deaths. Studies show that the increase in gun fatalities among U.S. youth disproportionately affects Black communities.
Societal impact
Gun violence has created additional harm as more U.S. adults report fearing for their safety or that of a loved one, leading to “cascading harm across society,” Murthy wrote, citing data from a 2023 KFF survey.
Voices of experience
Former congresswoman and gun violence survivor Gabby Giffords, who was severely wounded in a 2011 shooting at a constituent gathering in Tucson, Arizona, which killed six people, urged policymakers and the government to heed the Surgeon General’s warning. “I have seen firsthand how shootings are a major threat to Americans’ lives and well-being, and our leaders must view the problem as the public health crisis it is,” Giffords said in a statement.