The goal of public health issues to improve the quality of life for the public. It involves actions, programs and policies to help make us all healthier and safer. Firearm injuries became the number one cause of childhood mortality in 2022. Mortality from firearm injuries is multifactorial and many are unaware that the majority of deaths from firearms are the result of suicide not homicide. The rate of suicide is increasing especially in children under the age of 19. 75% of children who die by suicide use a gun from their home. In addition 75% of unintentional shootings as well as school shootings, each comprising 1% each of the total of gun death in America, involve unsecured guns in our homes.
The debate about firearm injuries, school shootings, urban violence, domestic abuse and suicide often becomes a political argument. We need to have a respectful non political public health debate. The statistics make a strong case for secure firearm storage that prevents any unauthorized, unsupervised access to your firearm. That simple responsible act can save many lives. No need for legislation or arguments about second amendment rights just awareness of the need for safety to protect your family and each other.
-Written by Dr. Edward Chory