A Public Health Crisis: Children’s Hospitals’ Roles in Keeping Kids Safe from Firearm Violence

Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. More kids die from firearms than vehicle crashes, illnesses, congenital abnormalities, or accidents.

That sobering reality led Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, to declare firearm violence a public health crisis in 2024. It also prompted action by many other groups dedicated to the health and well-being of children.

Today, the Ad Council launched a five-year social impact program to address the gun violence crisis facing youth in our country. The Children’s Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, and a coalition of health care organizations and businesses are supporting the campaign.

We believe hospitals and health care providers have a crucial role in addressing this crisis. As trusted messengers, health care professionals can educate families about the risks associated with unsecured firearms in the home and provide resources to keep kids safe.

This isn’t a new endeavor for hospitals. For decades, health care providers have counseled patients and families about safety issues like seat belts and vaccines. It’s made a difference. Health care providers have contributed to a 45% drop in motor vehicle crash deaths and prevented an estimated 4 million deaths from communicable diseases.

We can do the same for firearm violence.

The "Agree to Agree" initiative offers evidence-backed tools health care professionals can use to have meaningful conversations with families about preventing firearm injuries. One of the most effective ways to reduce firearm injuries is to ensure guns are stored securely and unloaded at home.

Many families don't realize that this simple precaution significantly reduces the risk of unintentional shootings, suicide, and gun-related injuries. Health care providers are uniquely positioned to deliver that message.

No matter where we stand on other issues, we can all agree that firearm injuries and deaths in children are unacceptable and preventable.

Read more about CHA’s support of the Agree to Agree initiative in this joint op-ed written by CHA CEO Matthew Cook and American Medical Association CEO and EVP James L. Madara, MD.