Gun Violence Declared a Public Health Crisis by Surgeon General as it Takes a Serious Toll on Children, Families and Communities Across the Triangle

In a bold move, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has declared gun violence a public health crisis in the United States, referring to it as an epidemic that poses serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of the country. Dr. Murthy issued an advisory report on Tuesday morning, highlighting the impact of gun violence on children, communities, and families.

According to Dr. Murthy, gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the country. More than half of adults have reported experiencing gun violence either personally or through their family members, including incidents such as a family member being killed, witnessing a shooting, or firing a gun themselves. Nearly six out of ten adults express worry about their loved ones becoming victims of gun violence.

The effects of growing gun violence are being felt in communities across the Triangle, with recent events highlighting the severity of the situation. Over the weekend in Raleigh, there were three separate shootings that resulted in a total of six people being injured. These incidents occurred at various locations, including outside shopping centers, and have left local businesses and residents concerned about the escalating violence in the area.

As the issue of gun violence continues to impact communities nationwide, Dr. Murthy’s declaration serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals