Surgeon Joseph Sakran advocates for gun reform, emphasizing the need to address gun violence as a critical public health issue rather than merely a criminal justice matter. As board chair and chief medical officer of Brady, he works to build bipartisan support for responsible gun ownership and prevention strategies that aim to reverse alarming trends, including the fact that firearms are now the leading cause of death for children under 18.
Sakran’s personal journey from being a victim of gun violence to a health policy advocate illustrates the urgent call for change. His efforts, particularly with the Brady organization, have led to significant accomplishments such as the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention in 2023. With an estimated 45,000 to 48,000 gun-related deaths annually, Sakran is determined to shift the narrative and engage communities impacted by violence, emphasizing that safety should be a right, not a privilege.
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