In 2022, a life was lost every 11 minutes because of gun violence. Since 2020, the leading cause of death of children and teens in the United States has been from firearms. 

Gun violence is actively affecting all communities nationwide, which is why now more than ever it’s important to take action, educate yourself, and inform others. 

From stores, schools, streets, and homes, gun violence has a way of trickling into every aspect of American’s day to day lives. Geographically, gun violence tends to occur at higher rates in the  South and Mountain West. While a variety of factors play into the risk and rates of gun deaths, these events appear to be most common in states with less gun laws and higher amounts of firearm ownership.  

Gun violence can occur in many ways. One of the largest forms of firearm deaths are suicides, which make up 55% of all firearm deaths. The next largest form are homicide and violent crimes, which account for 40% of all firearm deaths. Accidental deaths also occur, around 500 a year along with around 1,000 deaths caused by police shootings. 

Outside of the many individuals who have lost their lives due to firearms are those who still live with the trauma of being shot, injured, and affected by the loss of loved ones. Many gunshot victims along with their families will experience long lasting psychological and substance use disorders due to the trauma they have endured. 

By no means is this information trying to undermine the second amendment right to bear arms. This country has fundamental laws that grant individuals certain freedoms that should remain. Many people enjoy having firearms for protection, hunting, collections, and a variety of other reasons.  

At the end of my freshman year of college, a good friend of mine almost lost her life to gun violence. That experience changed my life in ways I could have never predicted or prepared for. Now, every loss and grieving person I see due to gun violence makes me ask how many more? How many more lives taken and destroyed before change can happen? 

There are many ways to reduce deaths caused by firearms. One way is by requiring Firearm Purchaser Licenses, which call for individuals to apply for a license, submit an application, undergo background checks, and get fingerprinted. Another way is by having Firearm Removal Laws which allow firearms to be temporarily removed from individuals at risk for committing suicide or violence. 

Anyone can make a difference when it comes to preventing gun violence. I encourage readers to investigate local and national organizations who actively advocate to end and prevent gun violence. A few organizations that are good resources are Everytown, Moms Demand Action, and March for Our Lives. There are many ways you can get involved and informed, it’s the least we can do for the many lives lost to gun violence.

References:

Firearm violence in the United States. Center for Gun Violence Solutions. (n.d.-a). https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/research-reports/firearmviolence-in-the-united-states#:~:text=Overview%20of%20Gun%20Violence.%20Firearm 

Miller, J. (2023, November 27). The health and economic toll of Gun Violence in Youth. The Health and Economic Toll of Gun Violence in Youth | Health Care Policy. https://hcp.hms.harvard.edu/news/health-and-economic-toll-gun-violence-youth 

Solutions. Center for Gun Violence Solutions. (n.d.-b). https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-forgun-violence-solutions/solutions