In a world where mass shootings have become alarmingly frequent, the government seems reluctant to let health organizations investigate the issue of gun violence impacting children. Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is stepping up to tackle this pressing concern. A team of specialists is launching a new research initiative aimed at developing “evidence-based interventions” for safeguarding kids from gun violence. Can we get a round of applause for that?
The AAP took to Twitter to announce this initiative, expressing their commitment to proactive measures against gun violence affecting young people. The Gun Safety and Injury Prevention Research Initiative will assemble experts nationwide to analyze existing data, identify knowledge gaps, and create a comprehensive research agenda. Their goal? To propose effective solutions addressing this devastating crisis.
“Our members witness the devastating consequences of firearms daily, whether through homicide, suicide, or accidental injuries,” stated AAP President Jenna Parker in a press release. “By focusing on prevention and education within clinical settings, combined with robust public policies aimed at limiting firearm access, we can create a significant, lasting impact.”
This is a monumental step for various reasons. Firstly, the government has made it nearly impossible for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct research on gun violence. Thanks to the “Dickey Amendment,” passed in 1997 with support from the NRA, the CDC is barred from using its funds to promote or advocate for gun control. This has left the agency stuck in a challenging position.
Amelia Grant, a senior legislative officer at the American Psychological Association, explained to ABC News that researchers are hesitant to pursue this area of study for fear of losing their funding. Meanwhile, AAP is starting its significant work with an initial grant of $500,000—emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue. The AAP reports that gun violence claims the lives of approximately 1,300 children and teenagers in the U.S. each year, injuring nearly 5,800 more.
“Recent tragedies, such as the school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, and Parkland, Florida, have spotlighted the everyday gun violence that children face in communities across the nation,” noted AAP CEO Samantha Lee. “It’s time for pediatricians to have new tools to counsel families in a culturally sensitive manner.”
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In summary, while the government continues to restrict research on gun violence, the AAP is determined to fill the void, aiming to create proactive solutions to protect children. Their initiative underscores the need for education, prevention, and policy reform to combat the epidemic of gun violence affecting our youth.
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