The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has removed a page from its website that previously classified gun violence as a public health crisis, a designation established by former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in June 2024. This advisory was supported by at least ten prominent medical organizations, emphasizing the urgent need to address the significant impact of firearm violence on American public health, given that nearly 47,000 people died from gun-related injuries in 2023 alone.
Despite the removal of the advisory, statistics continue to reveal gun violence as a leading cause of death for children and teens in the country. Advocacy groups have criticized this decision, arguing that it undermines efforts to treat firearm violence as a critical public health issue. In light of these developments, organizations like GIFFORDS and Everytown for Gun Safety are calling for increased awareness and action regarding gun safety and public health.
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