What would be our response if each year an American community of 33,000 suddenly vanished as a consequence of a violent act? Think of the sudden disappearance of Columbia, Tenn., or LaGrange, Ga., to get an idea of a community of that population.
This is the number of firearm-related deaths that occurred in the United States in 2013, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control.
Of a total of 41,149 suicides (the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.), 21,175 occurred by gunshot.
Of a total of 16,121 homicides, 11,208 were due to firearms.
Accidental deaths due to guns accounted for 1,253.
Non-lethal gunshot wounds numbered 84,258.
Because these deaths occur throughout the year, attention to them is short-lived and usually local, unless a mass killing has occurred. Suicide by firearm is a tragedy usually confined to family and close friends. An accidental death by gun makes headlines if a child is the victim or the shooter.
Because of intense, persistent lobbying by pro-firearm organizations, our state and local political processes are paralyzed in addressing the ongoing carnage. What options are available while we await the resolution of legislative inertia?
* An energetic, public health campaign focusing on gun safety. Billboards and innovative public service announcements on television and in movie theaters would keep the issue current. Trigger locks and securing of firearms in the home are effective in keeping guns out of the hands of children and teenagers.
* An educational program relating to firearms beginning in kindergarten. Place firearms alongside smoking and illicit drugs as public health challenges that should be refreshed in the health and science curriculum each year. The curriculum would highlight the hazards of firearms. Children would learn that they should not touch any weapon under any circumstance. If a playmate picks up a weapon, a child should immediately alert a responsible adult or, failing that, call 911 to report the danger.
* A public safety campaign aimed at suicide prevention. Because of the high incidence of suicide by firearm, the public needs education in the recognition of possible suicidal behavior among relatives, fellow students and co-workers. Self-awareness of despondency is important, along with knowledge of the resources to address it. A sensitive friend or family member can offer time and listening when despair is obvious or when a personal loss has occurred. Think of it as emotional radar, alert to circumstances that may be overwhelming to someone with whom we live or work.
* Ready availability of mental health services. When budgets are tight, funds allocated for mental health services are easy to chop. Advocates for people with psychiatric disorders are no match for other voices demanding their share of public revenues. Do we train sufficient numbers of health care professionals to address mental health needs? What are the needs for school-based psychologists and social workers? Do the courts, jails, homeless shelters and agencies that serve disadvantaged people have immediate access to psychological evaluations and, if needed, intervention?
* The role of professional organizations. In April 2015, the American Bar Association and eight medical organizations, representing most clinicians and public health officials, released a joint declaration in support of more vigorous research, public education and counseling by health professionals on gun safety.
* Hold our elected representative accountable. Legislators, city council members and county commissioners cannot dodge the public health issue of gun violence. At the very least, civil discussion and formulation of tactics to reduce gun violence is a responsibility they must address in practical terms. Inaction is not an option.
* Individual responsibility. This is a tough one because often it is easier to turn our attention and walk away from a situation that has the potential for violence. We fear that we may be accused of being meddlesome or intrusive in someone’s private affairs. Access to community hotlines designed to prevent violence would facilitate our notifying authorities anonymously if we sense a person or a situation in our neighborhood, workplace or school that could erupt in violence.
Contact Clif Cleaveland at cleaveland1000@comcast.net.