Gun violence is an issue that hits close to home for many individuals, including the authors of this blog. We are school nurses, Laurie Combe and Robin Cogan, who have family members directly impacted by firearm deaths. In our article titled "School Nurses Can Reduce Firearm Injuries and Deaths," we discuss the important role school nurses can play in addressing responsible firearm storage and promoting safety within schools. By viewing the problem through a public health lens, school nurses can make a significant impact on reducing violence and creating safer environments.
Read MoreGun violence is a public health crisis in the United States. While the largest share of firearm-related deaths are suicides, most media coverage of gun violence focuses on homicides, particularly highly lethal mass shootings in public spaces. In the aftermath of one of these tragedies, there often are demands to “do something” to prevent the next one. In our forthcoming article, “Mass Shootings in the United States: Prevalence, Policy, and a Way Forward,” we highlight policies and proposals offered by legislators and advocates to prevent mass shootings from happening and reducing their lethality if they do occur.
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