Firearm injuries are now the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1‑17, surpassing car crashes for the first time in two decades. 1
In the United States, people often think of firearm violence as a topic with no common ground, but we agree on more than we think. And we can all agree that firearm injuries shouldn’t be the #1 killer of kids.
Health care professionals see firsthand the impact of firearm injuries and deaths on children, families, and communities. We all have a role to play in reducing firearm violence, and health care professionals are positioned to make a real impact. By talking with patients and their families, as well as each other, we can communicate common risk factors and share strategies for preventing firearm injuries.
Let’s have conversations, find common ground, and work together to make our homes and communities safer for children and teens.
Your actions make a difference
Educating yourself on how to prevent firearm injuries prepares you to have effective conversations on this topic with patients, parents, other health care professionals, and members of your community. Studies show that people whose doctors talk with them about preventing gun violence are more likely to report adopting one or more safe gun-storage practices.
Source: AAP
More than eight in ten (86%) adults say they have never had a doctor or other health care professional ask if they own a gun or if there are guns in the home.
Source: KFF
Working together to keep our communities safe and healthy
Agree to Agree is an initiative powered by a coalition of health care and brand leaders. These organizations have firsthand experience with the devastating toll gun violence takes on communities across the country. They’ve partnered with us to drive conversations, help people find common ground, and share evidence-based strategies for preventing all forms of gun violence.
