SCY would like to thank Dr. Marjorie Fujara from John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County for contributing this thought-provoking and highly relevant post this National Youth Violence Prevention Week. Tweet or post about how to #preventgunviolence for a #violencefreeCHI! #NYVPW “Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, individuals and communities.” --Charles-Edward Armory Winslow, 1920 Bacteriologist, Public Health Leader On the third day of National Youth Violence Prevention Week, I'd like to highlight two public health successes: ● Reduction in motor vehicle crashes: between 1966 and 2010, automobile fatalities were cut by a third ● Decrease is rates of smoking: between 1966 and 2010, rates of smoking were cut in half What can we learn from these public health successes? Dramatic reductions in smoking rates is credited to increased public awareness around the health hazards of smoking and the deleterious effects of second hand smoke on nonsmokers. Additionally, increased regulation of automobile safety standards (i.e., mandatory seat belts and airbags) as well as increased penalties for driving under the influence and graduated licensing requirements for adolescent drivers is thought to contribute to the lives saved on the road. Moreover, in recent years, gun violence has become a more pressing public health endemic. How can we apply lessons learned to contribute to Common Sense Approaches to Gun Violence Prevention? Homicide and suicide by firearms ranks in the top five causes of death throughout the lifespan. Firearms are the leading cause of death amongst males of color between the ages of 15-24 yo. In our quest to make a similar impact on gun violence as we have made in these other realms, we have faced some unique challenges not faced by other public health campaigns: 1. Challenges to collecting and sharing important public health information. In 2005, Congress voted to prohibit the CDC from doing any federally funded research on gun violence. Although President Obama lifted the ban in 2013, congress needs to fund the research, 2. Government intervention and regulation which prohibited cigarette sales in vending machines has failed to require the oversight of guns by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Further, federal law, like the Tiahrt Amendment prohibits sharing of gun trace data used to commit various crimes. 3. Finally, social and economic policies ensure that the liability for a potentially dangerous product is shared by its manufacturers. Unfortunately, the Protection of Lawful Commerce In Arms Act prohibits manufacturers and dealers from being held accountable for their product. In addition to supporting important legislative regulation, there are things you can do that make a difference. 1. Just ASK...because Asking Saves Kids. Pediatricians and parents alike need to be asking “Is there a gun in the home where your child plays?” Did you know… ● 1 in 3 homes with children have a gun ● Nearly half are not securely stored, they are either unlocked or loaded ● The average 4 year old is strong enough to pull the trigger on a loaded firearm Be proactive, ASK. Make sure guns are stored safely, unloaded and locked, with gun and ammunition locked separately. And finally, you’re in good company if you stand with 2. Leading medical societies, like the AMA and the American Academy of Pediatrics, both have issued formal policy statements that call for : ● An assault weapons ban ● Universal Background Checks ● Limiting magazine capacity to 10 rounds The National Council of Churches, The Children’s Defense Fund, and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) also supports these measures. Get involved! There are a large number of gun violence prevention groups looking for your special talents. Whether it’s writing a personal essay to describe how gun violence has affected you in your life or tweeting your support of background checks to your legislator, you voice needs to be heard. There is likely to be a gun violence prevention organization just suited to your interests. Check these out: ● Brady Campaign ● Moms Demand Action ● Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence ● Gun Victims Action ● United Power for Action and Justice ● People For a Safer Society Marjorie Fujara MD, FAAP Division of Child Protective Services Department of Pediatrics John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center Member, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America