Washington, D.C. – U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy made a groundbreaking declaration on Tuesday, identifying gun violence as a public health crisis in the nation. Murthy urged the country to tackle this issue with the same level of urgency and determination that has been applied to reducing deaths and injuries caused by tobacco use and motor vehicle crashes.

This advisory issued by the surgeon general represents a significant step as it marks the first time that the nation’s top authority on public health has addressed the urgent need to address firearm-related deaths. The 39-page advisory highlights the profound physical and mental toll that gun violence inflicts on communities across the United States.

Gun-related deaths surged to a three-decade high in 2021, driven particularly by increases in both homicides and suicides, according to the advisory. Shockingly, more than half of all gun deaths in 2022 were attributed to suicide, with homicides accounting for 40 percent of firearms deaths.

In an interview, Murthy emphasized the importance of recognizing firearm violence as a critical public health concern. Despite the polarizing and politicized nature of the issue, Murthy believes that viewing it through a public health lens can foster unity and pave the way for effective solutions.

The advisory also sheds light on the disproportionate impact of gun violence on children and adolescents in the United States. Data from 2020 revealed that firearm-related injuries had become the leading cause of death for individuals aged 1 to 19, surpassing deaths from motor vehicle accidents, cancer, and heart disease.

One of the driving forces behind the advisory is the alarming rise in mass shootings over the past decade, an issue that has far-reaching implications for the mental health and overall well-being of the nation, according to Murthy.

Furthermore, the report underscores the urgent need for a public health approach to address firearm violence, advocating for increased funding for research and the implementation of prevention strategies, including community violence interventions. These interventions involve utilizing credible messengers and practitioners to disseminate resources within communities, such as healthcare and employment services, to prevent violent conflicts.

In conclusion, the surgeon general’s advisory calls for comprehensive measures aimed at reducing the incidence of gun violence, including laws to restrict children’s access to firearms, universal background checks for all firearm transactions, and a ban on civilian use of assault weapons. By approaching this complex issue with a scientific and thoughtful public health perspective, there is hope that substantial progress can be made in combating the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States.