Gun violence remains a public health emergency.
Heluna Health was deeply saddened and horrified by the tragic shooting in Monterey Park, California, this past Saturday evening. Our hearts go out to all who have been directly impacted. As an organization dedicated to community health and well-being, our concern extends to all who have been touched by gun violence.
The public health impacts of gun violence are clear: according to the most recent complete data, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 45,222 people died from gun-related injuries in 2020. Of that number, 54% of those deaths resulted from suicide, while 43% were gun-related murders. Per the Gun Violence Archive, the U.S. experienced more than 600 mass shootings in 2022, nearly double the number just four years ago.
We must continue our work in violence prevention, including gun control, as well as mental health care, to more effectively address this worsening public health emergency.
