A Doctor’s Cure for America’s Gun Violence Epidemic
As a gun-owning emergency physician, a father, and the cousin of a man who was shot to death, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. In 2020, gun violence claimed the lives of 45,222 Americans, the worst year on record for gun deaths.
Addressing gun violence requires a multifaceted approach, and as a physician, I believe that evidence-based health policy is crucial in addressing this epidemic. The RAND Corporation’s The Science of Gun Policy provides valuable insights into the impact of various policies on gun violence.
The following policies have been shown to be effective in reducing gun violence:
I also believe that there are two laws that should be repealed: Stand-Your-Ground laws and laws that allow individuals to possess firearms without proper background checks. Stand-Your-Ground laws, like the one in Florida, can create a culture of approach, provoke, and kill, and have been linked to increased gun violence.
By implementing these policies and repealing harmful laws, we can take a crucial step towards reducing gun violence and saving lives. As a physician, I have seen the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities, and I believe that it is our duty to take action to prevent it.