The Role of Health and Mental Health Care Providers in Gun Violence Prevention
Ariel A. Williamsona, Nancy G. Guerraa, William Douglas Tynanb
- aDepartment of Psychology, University of Delaware
- bNemours Health and Prevention Services, Newark, Delaware and Jefferson Medical College
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Abstract
Firearm-related homicides, suicides, and unintentional injuries continue to undermine the wellbeing and safety of children and adolescents. According to 2010 statistics, homicide and suicide are the second and third leading causes of death, respectively, among youth ages 10 to 19 years. Firearms are involved in a substantial proportion of youth homicides and suicides. Despite the protective benefits of storing guns and ammunition safely, few gun-owning families do so. Health and mental health care providers in pediatric settings can play an important role in educating families about gun safety and in preventing youth involvement in gun violence. This article reviews developmental risk factors for involvement in youth gun violence, as well as evidence-based community programs to prevent gun violence. We then discuss ways in which health and mental health care providers can prevent youth gun violence and promote safety.