This week, we are jolted by another mass school shooting that has claimed more young lives. We are shocked and saddened by the devastating deaths of 19 elementary school children and their two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, victims of intentional gunfire by a mentally unwell individual who was practically a child himself.
We stand with children, families, and other citizens across this country who are trying to make sense of another unimaginable violent act, and call upon our local, regional, and national leaders to meaningfully address gun violence – now the No. 1 cause of death of children and teens in the United States according to CDC data. It is clear: gun control is a public health issue.
As child health professionals, we vow to use our voice and knowledge to advocate for stronger gun laws, mental health support, and more effective interventions for at-risk youth. In order to keep kids safe from gun violence – in schools, grocery stores, on the streets, and in our homes – we must address the access to guns and lead the call to action.
We welcome you to join the department in #WearingOrange on June 3rd (https://wearorange.org) in support of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, all the lives touched by gun violence, and of change that will reduce the chance of these devastating events in the future.