Pediatric ER Doctor responds to Surgeon General Gun Violence Public Health Crisis Advisory

June 25, 2024

Calls the current lack of consumer protection a glaring gap in our country’s public safety framework

WASHINGTON — Today, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis. Guns Down America Board Member and Pediatric Emergency physician Dr. Joanna S Cohen released the following statement:

“Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s advisory marks a critical step in addressing the devastating impact of gun violence. It’s time to recognize firearms for what they are: an immensely unregulated, dangerous, and pervasively marketed consumer product. The advisory’s inclusion of consumer-focused solutions, alongside increased funding for research and risk-reduction strategies, is pivotal in turning the tide against this crisis. Just as our country did with protecting consumers against motor vehicle injuries, pesticide poisoning, and cancer-inducing cigarettes we need robust solutions that treat firearms like any other potentially harmful consumer product. This means, at a minimum, introducing mandatory consumer safety warnings, communicating risks based on rigorous product testing, and enacting stringent consumer protection laws that tightly regulate the marketing and development of firearms. The current lack of such measures is a glaring gap in our country’s public safety framework.

I am acutely aware of the devastating impact of gun violence on our communities. The images of treating children from firearm injuries never leave you. Guns must be held to the same standards as any other product that poses a risk to public health.”