The U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has declared gun violence a public health crisis due to the increasing number of injuries and deaths involving firearms in the country. Murthy’s call to action includes banning automatic rifles, implementing universal background checks for purchasing guns, regulating the industry, passing laws that restrict their use in public spaces, and penalizing individuals who fail to safely store their weapons. While there is broad agreement that gun violence is a problem, implementing these measures nationwide would require legislation passed by Congress, which has historically been resistant to gun control measures.
Despite facing opposition from Republican lawmakers who opposed his confirmation as surgeon general, Murthy has taken a stand on the issue of gun violence. He has called for the issue to be taken out of the realm of politics and treated as a public health crisis, similar to how smoking was addressed more than half a century ago. The high rates of gun violence, particularly among children and younger Americans, are a cause for concern, with suicide rates by gun increasing significantly in recent years for Americans under 35. Murthy’s advisory aims to raise awareness and prioritize gun violence as a public health issue that affects everyone.
In addition to advocating for new regulations, Murthy is also calling for increased gun violence research and for the health system to promote gun safety education during doctor visits. He points to community violence intervention programs, safe storage education programs, and firearm risk reduction strategies like background checks as potential solutions to reduce gun violence. Recent statistics from the CDC and FBI show that rates of gun injuries and deaths remain high, with active shooters targeting the public at an alarming rate. The data highlights the need for comprehensive and effective measures to address gun violence in the United States.
Murthy’s advisory is likely to face pushback from some lawmakers and interest groups, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to addressing the public health crisis of gun violence. By reframing the issue as a public health concern, Murthy hopes to bring attention to the impact of gun violence on communities and individuals across the country. With a focus on prevention, intervention, and education, Murthy believes that there is much that can be done to reduce gun violence and make communities safer for all Americans. Through collaboration and advocacy, he aims to drive meaningful change and save lives affected by the epidemic of gun violence in the United States.
