U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Public Health Crisis of Firearm Violence in the United States (2024)

Washington, D.C. – Today, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a landmark Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, declaring firearm violence in America a public health crisis. Firearm violence is pervasive, with more than half (54 percent) of U.S. adults or their family members having experienced a firearm-related incident in their lives. Over the last decade, the number of people who have died from firearm-related injuries, including suicides, homicides, and accidental deaths, has been rising, and firearm violence is now the leading cause of death among children and adolescents.

This new Advisory is the first publication from the Office of the Surgeon General dedicated to firearm violence and its consequences for the health and well-being of the American public. The advisory details the impact of gun violence beyond death and injury, describing the layers of cascading harm for youth, families, communities, and other populations. With nearly 6 in 10 U.S. adults worrying “sometimes,” “almost every day,” or “every day,” about a loved one being a victim of firearm violence, the effects of the public health crisis extend well beyond physical health – it has led to a collective trauma across society that warrants heightened attention.

“Firearm violence is an urgent public health crisis that has led to loss of life, unimaginable pain, and profound grief for far too many Americans,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “We don’t have to continue down this path, and we don’t have to subject our children to the ongoing horror of firearm violence in America. All Americans deserve to live their lives free from firearm violence, as well as from the fear and devastation that it brings. It will take the collective commitment of our nation to turn the tide on firearm violence.”

The rate of firearm-related deaths in our nation has been steadily rising, driven by both firearm-related homicides over the last decade and firearm-related suicides over the last two decades. Across all firearm-related deaths in 2022, more than half (56.1%) were from suicide, 40.8% were from homicide, and the remaining were from legal intervention, unintentional injuries, and injuries of unknown intent. Although firearm-related injury rates are difficult to measure due to challenges with collecting national injury data, studies suggest that there are at least twice as many nonfatal firearm injuries as fatal firearm injuries.

While firearm violence can affect anyone, it has a disproportionate impact on different communities. In 2022, for example, the Black community endured the highest firearm homicide rates in every age group, and Black youth accounted for about half of all firearm deaths among all youth, despite making up only 14% of the U.S. youth population. That same year, the firearm suicide rate for those 45 years of age or older was highest among White people, and the firearm suicide rate for people under age 45 was highest among American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. Additionally, the firearm-related suicide rate in 2021 was 62.4% higher for Veteran men than for non-Veteran men, and 281.1% higher for Veteran women than for non-Veteran women.

Firearm violence also takes a significant toll on children in America. In 2020, firearm-related injury surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death for U.S. children and adolescents. When measured over a decade (2012 to 2022), children and young adults experienced a staggering increase in firearm-related suicide rates (a 45% increase for 15-24-year-olds and a 68% increase for children aged 10-14). Fears and worries about firearm violence are highly prevalent among youth, especially regarding school shootings. A nationally representative survey found that half (51%) of 14-17-year-olds in the U.S. worry about school shootings and nearly six in ten report that they “have recently thought about what would happen if a person with a gun entered” their school or a school nearby. The effects of firearm violence and the threat that it poses to young people negatively affects their mental health.

The impact of firearm violence is felt beyond those who experience direct and immediate harm; rather, there is cascading harm across witnesses, family and friends, and the larger surrounding community. Research demonstrates that family members of victims of firearm violence experience increased risk of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and post- traumatic stress disorder. For communities, high levels of exposure to firearm violence have a negative impact on the public’s perception of safety. More than three-quarters of adults (79%) in the U.S. report experiencing stress from the possibility of a mass shooting and one in three adults (33%) say fear prevents them from going to certain places or events.

The Advisory outlines an evidence-informed public health approach to addressing the crisis of firearm violence. This approach involves critical research funding, implementation of prevention strategies, and increased mental health access and support including:

  1. Critical research investments, such as:
    1. Improving data sources and data collection;
    2. Examining short-term and long-term outcomes of firearm violence; and
    3. Conducting implementation research to improve effectiveness of prevention strategies.
  2. Community risk reduction and education prevention strategies, such as:
    1. Implementing community violence interventions;
    2. Incorporating organizational violence prevention and emergency preparedness elements into safety programs; and
    3. Encouraging health systems to facilitate education on safe and secure storage.
  3. Firearm risk reduction strategies, such as:
    1. Requiring safe and secure firearm storage, including child access prevention laws;
    2. Implementing universal background checks and expanding purchaser licensing laws;
    3. Banning assault weapons and large capacity magazines for civilian use;
    4. Treating firearms like other consumer products, including requiring safety testing or safety features;
    5. Implementing effective firearm removal policies when individuals are a danger to themselves or others; and
    6. Creating safer conditions in public places related to firearm use and carry.
  4. Mental health action and support, such as:
    1. Increasing access to affordable, high quality mental health care and substance use treatment; and
    2. Building on investments to enhance safety measures and evidence-based violence prevention efforts in learning settings.

While further research is needed to better understand firearm violence and its impacts, we can promote programs, policies, and practices right now that create safer conditions for the American people. This requires leveraging community leaders, working closely with at-risk populations, and educating the public on key protective actions. An all-of-society effort is required to help create safer conditions, build healthier communities, and save lives.

In concert with the Surgeon General’s Advisory, leaders at ten of the nation’s medical organizations and the YWCA issued the following statements:

“Pediatricians have long understood that gun violence is a public health threat to children, and that its impact on families and communities can be devastating and long-lasting,” said American Academy of Pediatrics President, Ben Hoffman, MD, FAAP. “The American Academy of Pediatrics welcomes the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, which shines a light on why we must all come together to address this public health crisis.”

“By raising awareness of this public health crisis, The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence speaks to the gun violence that emergency physicians observe all too often, as well as the repercussions on the communities they serve,” said American College of Emergency Physicians President, Aisha T. Terry, MD, MPH, FACEP

“The American College of Physicians has long advocated for a public health approach and common-sense measures to help curb this escalating crisis,” said American College of Physicians, Executive Vice President and CEO, Darilyn V. Moyer, MD, MACP; and President Isaac O. Opole, MBChB, MACP. “We continue to address firearm injury through public policy and advocacy efforts, publication of related research and through events that examine the impact on clinicians and the public, and collaboration with others to enact change. We commend the Office of the Surgeon General for raising awareness of this growing epidemic.”

“Firearm violence has been a public health crisis in the United States for many years now, and we are pleased to see that the Surgeon General is addressing it in this Advisory, laying out the stark statistics highlighting the scope of the problem as well as identifying some actionable solutions,” said American College of Surgeons Executive Director & CEO, Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS. “The American College of Surgeons has been working on this issue for decades and we stand ready to work with all stakeholders to end this epidemic of violence.”

“Across the country, physicians everywhere treat patients and families afflicted by firearm violence,” said American Medical Association President, Bruce A. Scott, MD. “We see the physical and emotional harm firsthand, and we dread the too-often conversations with parents, spouses, and even children in which we tell them their loved one did not make it. Firearm violence is indeed a public health crisis, and the data now show it touches the majority of U.S. adults. We applaud the Office of the Surgeon General for issuing this advisory and for outlining an evidence-based public health approach to addressing firearm violence.”

“The members of the American Psychiatric Association have become all too familiar with suicides and homicides involving gun violence and the additional impacts on people’s mental and physical health,” said American Psychiatric Association CEO and Medical Director Marketa Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence elevates this crisis in our national attention and emphasizes the damage gun violence has caused to families across the United States. It affirms that people with mental illness are especially vulnerable and includes prevention strategies that could help save lives.”

“APA applauds the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, which serves as an urgent call for action,” said American Psychological Association CEO, Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “Addressing gun violence is a pressing public health issue that requires solutions grounded in research, data and the voice of communities. Now we must use this information to advance science-based public policy that saves lives and prevents injury.”

“Gun violence is a national tragedy. It’s a serious public health problem that is highly preventable,” said American Public Health Association Executive Director, Georges C. Benjamin, MD. “The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence is important because it both raises awareness and offers evidence-based solutions to mitigate the risks of injury and death from gun violence”

“The Surgeon General’s Advisory reminds us that it is our responsibility to keep children safe in homes and communities across the nation,” said Children’s Hospital Association CEO, Matthew Cook “We must come together to prevent gun violence. Our kids are counting on us.”

“Our nation's hospitals and health systems continue to meet the challenges posed by this public health crisis,” said Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, who initiated the creation of the CEO Council on Gun Violence Prevention & Safety. “The Surgeon General's Advisory reaffirms the heartbreak that America's caregivers have been seeing firsthand for many years, especially among young people.”

“As one of the largest providers of safety and support services for survivors of intimate partner violence, YWCA knows firsthand the dangers that firearms pose for women, children and families,” said YWCA USA CEO, Margaret Mitchell. “We are grateful for the Surgeon General’s attention to this critical issue.”

Surgeon General’s Advisories are public statements that call the American people’s attention to a critical public health issue. Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action. As the Nation’s Doctor, the 21st Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Murthy, has issued Surgeon General’s Advisories on Loneliness and Isolation, Social Media and Youth Mental Health, Youth Mental Health, Health Worker Well-Being, and a Framework on Workplace Well-Being.

You can read the full Advisory here. For more information about the Office of the Surgeon General, please visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/priorities.

U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Public Health Crisis of Firearm Violence in the United States (2024)

FAQs

U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Public Health Crisis of Firearm Violence in the United States? ›

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, issued a June 24 advisory declaring firearm violence a public health crisis (PDF) . Within this guidance, the surgeon general encouraged a cross-sector approach between clinical health providers, firearm owners, policymakers, and others to promote gun violence prevention.

What is the surgeon general issue on gun violence advisory? ›

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a landmark Surgeon General's Advisory on Firearm Violence, declaring firearm violence in America to be a public health crisis.

Did the surgeon general declared firearm violence a public health crisis? ›

US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy: Firearm Violence Is a Public Health Crisis. Consider these grim statistics: there were more than 48 000 firearms-related deaths in the US in 2022, equating to 132 adults and children dying every day. And firearms are now the leading cause of death among US children and teens.

What is the surgeon general health advisory? ›

A Surgeon General's Advisory is a public statement that calls the American people's attention to an urgent public health issue and provides recommendations for how it should be addressed. Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation's immediate awareness and action.

What are the public health issues with guns? ›

Research demonstrates that family members of victims of firearm violence experience increased risk of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and post- traumatic stress disorder. For communities, high levels of exposure to firearm violence have a negative impact on the public's perception of safety.

What does US surgeon general mean? ›

(SER-jun JEH-neh-rul) The chief medical doctor and health educator for the United States. The mission of the U.S. Surgeon General is to give the public the best scientific information available on how to improve health and lower the risk of illness and injury.

What is the biggest public health crisis? ›

Heart disease and stroke still the leading causes of death for both U.S. men and women. NIH-funded scientists currently are looking to the power of precision medicine to better understand and manage these disorders.

What is the history of the Surgeon General's warning? ›

The office also periodically issues health warnings. Perhaps the best known example of this is the surgeon general's warning label that has been present on all packages of American tobacco cigarettes since 1966. A similar health warning has appeared on alcoholic beverages labels since 1988.

What was the significance of the 1964 Surgeon General's report? ›

After consulting more than 7,000 articles about cigarette smoking, the committee concluded smoking was a cause of lung and laryngeal cancer in men, a probable cause of lung cancer in women and the most important cause of chronic bronchitis.

What was the significance of the 1979 Surgeon General's report quizlet? ›

It created national goals for promoting health and preventing disease. The 1979 Surgeon General's report began a focus on preventing disease and promoting health for all Americans. It was a national effort with all levels of government, as well as other interested parties, involved.

What does U.S. Surgeon General focus on? ›

The Surgeon General oversees the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, an elite group of over 6,000 uniformed officers who are public health professionals. The USPHS mission is to protect, promote, and advance the health of our nation.

What are the Surgeon General's 4 P's? ›

The surgeon general's priorities, or “Four P's,” explain that the optimization of our people, platforms, performance, and power will enhance lethality through the increased survivability of our fighting force.

What are the duties of the Surgeon General and the US public health service? ›

As the Nation's Doctor, the Surgeon General's mission is to restore trust by relying on the best scientific information available, providing clear, consistent guidance and resources for the public, and ensuring that we reach our most vulnerable communities As the Vice Admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service ...

What is the biggest current threat to public health? ›

Air pollution and climate change

Nine out of ten people breathe polluted air every day. In 2019, air pollution is considered by WHO as the greatest environmental risk to health.

What is the public health approach to gun violence prevention? ›

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization outline a public health approach to violence prevention based on four steps: (1) define and monitor the problem, (2) identify risk and protective factors, (3) develop and test prevention strategies, (4) ensure widespread adoption of effective ...

How does gun violence affect healthcare? ›

In fact, while there is no complete information on the healthcare costs of firearm injuries, a report released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office in July 2021 found hospital costs for initial gun injury care were just over $1 billion a year in 2016 and 2017 (the latest data available), and costs associated ...

What is the controversial topic on gun control? ›

Gun control is one of the most controversial and emotional issues in many countries, with the debate often centring on whether regulations on an individual's right to arms are an undue restriction on liberty and whether there is a correlation between guns and crime.

Why is the Surgeon General declaring a national emergency? ›

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the nation's top doctor, issued the advisory Tuesday as the U.S. grappled with another weekend marked by mass shootings that left dozens of people dead or wounded.

Which message was reported in a US Surgeon General's report released in 1964? ›

The first report of the Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health was released in 1964. It was a landmark first step to diminish the impact of tobacco use on the health of the American people.

What orthopedic surgeon was accused of assault? ›

UPDATED: Hand surgeon and reality TV star Grant Robicheaux on Wednesday took a plea deal in a Fullerton, CA court on non-sex-related charges that leaves him free on probation. Dozens of women came forward and clamed that Robicheaux had drugged and assaulted them after picking them up at an Orange County bar.

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