How to talk with patients after youth gun violence impacts your community

Learn about the impacts of gun violence on your community

Fostering relationships with local community violence intervention organizations and advocates can help you educate yourself and feel prepared for conversations about gun violence. Programs like hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) help bridge gaps between health systems and communities, to support families and patients who are survivors—or are at risk—of firearm injuries. 

Preventing firearm-related injuries, including those that result from unintentional shootings, interpersonal violence, and firearm suicide, isn’t something that anyone can accomplish on their own.  We all have a role to play in building safe communities—and this includes health care professionals, community members, patients, and their families.

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When to start the conversation

Patients and families can be directly and indirectly impacted by gun violence. You may see patients who have experienced firearm injuries themselves or have lost friends or family members to gun violence, including suicide. Beyond physical injuries, people who are living with trauma as a result of their experiences may need mental health support, so familiarize yourself with the options available to them locally and online.

Patients and families may also be impacted by tragedies they see on the news or online, such as a mass shooting that receives significant media attention. These events can leave patients scared, anxious,  and looking for answers. Preparing for conversations about gun violence ahead of time will help you support patients of all ages who may be struggling to process what happened.

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What to say

When possible, ask an open-ended question, and then let your patient lead the conversation. If a child or teen seems scared or worried, answer their questions honestly and in an age-appropriate way. Reassure them, and let them know that the adults in their life and in their community work hard to keep them safe. 

If a parent or adult patient has similar concerns, let them know they aren’t alone. They may find it helpful to learn how they can get involved in local efforts to prevent gun violence. This could include simple actions like storing their guns securely, talking with friends and family about secure firearm storage, and connecting with violence prevention organizations.

“Being worried about gun violence is a valid fear, and it’s helpful to have tools to help you manage these feelings. If you find yourself worrying about gun violence on a regular basis, it might help to talk to a mental health professional or join a support group. Would you like me to share some recommendations? What else do you think might help?”

For parents or caregivers

“Some people find it helpful to channel worry into action. Secure firearm storage is an effective way to prevent unintentional shootings and firearm suicides, so I often encourage parents to talk with other adults in their life about how to store firearms securely, especially if there are children and teens around.”

For children or teens:

“I know there has been a lot going on in the community lately, so I wanted to check in on you. It’s totally normal to feel confused, worried, or even scared in times like this, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here if you want to ask any questions or share how you are feeling.”

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After the chat

• Include secure firearm storage best practices in the after-visit summary.
• If you are concerned about a young patient’s mental health, let their parent or caregiver know, and discuss potential support and treatment options.
• If a patient asks a question you aren’t sure how to answer, let them know you will try to find answers and get back to them. For example, they may want more details about specific firearm storage options or statistics about firearm-related injuries and young people. Check our resources page to learn more.