On June 25, 2024, US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory declaring Firearm Violence a “public health crisis in America” marking a historic first such declaration from the US Surgeon General’s office. This declaration emphasizes the significant threat that firearms pose to the health and well-being of the nation.
In his video statement, Dr. Murthy, an Indian American, noted, “As a doctor, I’ve seen the consequences of firearm violence up close in the lives of the patients I’ve cared for over the years. These are moms and dads, sons and daughters, all of whom were robbed of their physical and mental health by senseless acts of violence,” while adding firearm violence is a critical public health issue and the inability of people to confront it constitutes a moral dilemma.
To safeguard the health and welfare of Americans, particularly children, Dr. Murthy, encouraged everyone to respond with the “clarity, courage, and urgency” that this situation requires.
He warned the issue has worsened over time, with 54 per cent of America adults now reporting that they or a family member have encountered a firearm-related incident. This includes personal threats, injuries, the loss of a family member, witnessing shootings, or using firearms in self-defense.
Dr. Murthy added that many of the negative impacts of firearm violence are particularly acute in a select few communities. Black communities experience the highest rate of firearm killings, while suicide rates are more pronounced among veterans, older white population, and younger American Indian and Alaskan Native populations.
“What is especially devastating is how this has affected our children. Firearm Violence has become the number one cause of death among children and adolescents – more than car accidents or drug overdoses. I’ve sat with parents who lost a child to firearm violence,” noted Dr. Murthy. “I have listened to their stories and felt their pain as they describe the holes in their hearts. As a father, I know a parent’s worst nightmare is to lose a child to feel like you can’t protect your child.”
According to him, in addition to the lives lost due to gun violence, there are broader impacts on those injured, witnesses to the events, and this ripples through both urban and rural areas. Continuous exposure to news about gun violence contributes to collective trauma and fear among Americans, exacerbating current mental health issues. Nearly, 60 per cent of US adults express concern about their loved ones becoming victims of firearm violence.
“Our children should not have to live in fear that they’re going to get shot if they go to school. None of us should have to worry that going to the mall or a concert or house of worship means putting our lives at risk,” he underscored.
To make this world a safer place Dr. Murthy’s strategies include “Implementing community violence prevention programs and firearm risk reduction strategies, improving access to mental health care for those exposed to or at risk for firearm violence, and expanding research funding to inform and evaluate our prevention strategies.”
