Gun Violence is a Public Health Crisis, US Surgeon General Declares; Firearm-Related Injuries, Deaths Have Been on the Rise

The US surgeon general noted in an advisory last Tuesday that gun violence is a public health crisis.

This declaration is based on the rapid rise of firearm-involved deaths and injuries across the country.

Gun Violence in the Country

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gun injury rates in 2023 stayed above levels that were observed before the recent pandemic hit. This marked the fourth straight year of exceeding the average.

Moreover, preliminary data from the CDC pertaining to gun deaths shows that last year, rates were worse compared to 2019. This was in spite of a peak-level slowdown during 2020 and 2021.

A new report released by the FBI revealed that active shooters violently aimed at the public in the US. This rate was 89% higher from 2019 to 2023 compared to the earlier period that spanned five years.

There were also 105 people killed last year during such incidents of active shooting. There were also 139 people injured in the shootings.

Such incidents are just a fraction of gun violence's general toll. Overall 2022, gun homicides accounted for the deaths of over 53 people each day in 2022.

ALSO READ: Map Shows US States With Highest Firearm Mortality Rate; How Does Gun-Related Violence Affect a Person's Mental Health?

Gun Violence Is a Public Health Crisis

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the top doctor in the nation, issued the advisory about gun violence being a public health threat. It came as the country had to deal with a summer weekend of mass shootings that left dozens of individuals wounded and dead.

Dr. Murthy shared in a recent interview that across several communities he visits, people are scared of normal and everyday activities, like going to the grocery store or school.

In order to push for a decline in firearm deaths, the surgeon general calls on the country to implement a ban on automatic rifles, regulate the gun industry, have universal background checks introduced for gun purchases, pass laws that would restrict public gun usage, and penalize individuals who do not store their weapons safely.

Unless Congress passes legislation, none of these recommendations could be carried out on a national scale. However, there are some state legislatures that have enacted or could consider some of the proposals made by the surgeon general.

Previously, Dr. Murthy released warnings concerning health trends pertaining to life in America. These included issues like loneliness and social media use.

However, he has stayed away from releasing advisories pertaining to gun violence since his surgeon general confirmation was stalled and almost derailed by Republicans who opposed his firearm-related sentiments and by the firearm lobby.

Eventually, he promised not to use his office for bullying over the matter.

Though Dr. Murthy was dismissed in 2017 by former President Donald Trump, he was nominated again for the position in 2021 by President Joe Biden.

During his second hearing for confirmation, he shared with senators that the declaration of gun violence as a public health crisis would not be a main focus during his term.

However, doctors and some Democrats urged him to speak more regarding the matter. He has recently shared that it is time for the issue to be taken beyond the political realm and to be seen in the light of public health.