Gun violence is a major health concern in the United States. It is a leading cause of death for people of all ages, and it disproportionately affects young people, people of color, and people living in poverty. Gun violence also has a significant impact on the mental and physical health of survivors and witnesses.
Gun violence and healthcare
Gun violence isn’t just a criminal justice issue; it’s a public health issue. There was nearly a 30 percent increase in homicides between 2019 and 2020, making it the most significant one-year increase in six decades. The number of gun deaths in 2021 climbed even higher and is approaching the previous peaks in gun death rates in the early 1970s and early 1990s.