Gun Violence is a Public Health Crisis. Here’s Why.

This week, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) and the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) have joined the American Public Health Association (APHA) in marking National Public Health Week. Throughout the week, we have engaged in a robust discussion about gun violence and the evidence-based policies that can prevent the firearm injuries and deaths our country sees every day.

In 2017, nearly 40,000 Americans died from gun violence — 109 every single day. Americans are 25 times more likely to die by firearm-related homicide and eight times more likely to die by firearm-related suicide compared to other economically developed nations. If an illness were killing our friends, family, and neighbors at such an alarming rate, we would not hesitate to label it a crisis.

And that’s what gun violence is. It’s a public health crisis.

Examine the numbers alone. Think about what a group of 40,000 people looks like — the enormity of that number. Nearly 40,000 in a single year — more than the capacity of Fenway Park. If the numbers aren’t convincing enough, consider the impact of gun violence in the following areas:

Its Negative Effect on Community Health:

Gun violence has an adverse impact on community health. Communities cannot thrive when they are…