The United States Surgeon General recently reported on gun violence. The urgency for action to lessen gun violence was prompted by statistical data. USA, we have a problem.
The data from the CDC and WHO reveal that firearm deaths in the USA compared to other high-income countries were 5x that of Canada, 18x that of Sweden, and 22x that of Australia. Comparing deaths per million: USA 36.4, Canada 6.2, France 3.3, Switzerland 3.1, Germany 1.0, United Kingdom 0.5, and Japan 0.3. Furthermore, while mass shootings account for only about 1% of firearm-related deaths, the number has increased to more than 600 between 2020-2023 as compared to about 400 between 2025-2018.
Social status is associated with gun violence rates. More poverty equals more gun violence by up to 27%. Males living alone accounted for an increase of 12% higher homicide rates. Regarding geographic factors, firearm homicides are higher in urban areas and suicides higher in rural areas. In one study of 35 cities, 66% were firearm homicides and 32% were suicides. In another study, most rural counties had a 76% higher suicide rate and 46% lower homicide rate compared to most urban counties. Racially, Black and Latino/Hispanic youth were up to seven times more likely to experience past-year homicides than White youth.
What can be done to decrease gun violence? FIRST, address issues such as housing, health care, employment and hospital services. SECOND, Incorporate safety programs and establish threat assessment teams and emergency action plans in schools and employee trainings. THIRD, encourage health programs to facilitate education on safe and secure firearm storage. FOURTH, address the fact that firearm violence is higher in historically marginalized communities. Address housing, the need for high-quality education and health care, and provide opportunities fror employment and economic growth. More wealth and opportunities equal less gun violence.
Furthermore, FIRST: Require safe and secure firearm storage, including child access prevention laws. SECOND: Implement universal background checks. Enhance minimum age requirements for firearm purchases and require gun safety programs and waiting periods. THIRD: Implement Extreme Risk Protective Orders and Domestic Violence Protective Orders. Enforce Ferderal law banning purchase of firearms by individuals convicted of a felony or domestic violence. FOURTH: Ban assault weapins and large capacity magazines for civilian use. FIFTH: Develop policies of who can carry a firearm in public places, and what are the rules for deadly force? SIXTH: Treat firearms like other consumer products and establish standards for safety. SEVENTH: Prioritize increased access to affordable, high-quality health care and mental health services. Expand school-based mental health workforce to build a positive school climate.
The good news is that much needs to be done and can be done. Now, let us gather the will.