While the pandemic took a disproportionate toll on American life last year, there was another devastating, enduring public health crisis that only got worse, gun violence. In the United States, there are over 100 gun deaths each day and about 38,000 each year. Despite the number of deaths, lingering health impacts from gunshot wounds, and the psychological impact a gun death or injury can have on a household or community, gun violence is framed as a political or criminal justice issue rather than a health issue. There is a great need to begin reframing the impact of gun violence as a medical issue, not a political one. 

We are discussing the many perspectives related to gun violence and its impact on healthcare with an esteemed panel of experts from the University of Pennsylvania. The panel will touch upon,

• Perspectives on gun violence from the emergency room – trauma, psychological effects
• How can physicians talk about firearms with patients?
• Gun violence research / firearm injury-prevention research
• Role of public health in preventing gun violence

Join the discussion by sending in a question for the panel or sharing your perspective with us in the comment section.