“I am in my lane”: A public health approach to the role of Health Care providers in Firearm violence-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In her talk, Dr. Sud addresses gun violence as a public health issue, offering a comprehensive overview of the implications and potential strategies for addressing this pervasive problem. As a seasoned child psychiatrist specializing in mental health policy, Dr. Sud brings unique insights into how gun violence affects communities, particularly children. She recounts clinical experiences with young patients exposed to gun violence, highlighting the long-term psychological trauma and anxiety they endure.<br /><br />Dr. Sud frames firearm violence within a public health perspective, emphasizing the importance of data-driven interventions. She discusses the alarming increase in gun-related homicides and suicides, especially among black males and American Indian communities. She stresses the need to change conversations about firearms to focus on safety, avoiding polarizing debates about gun control and ownership.<br /><br />Throughout her presentation, Dr. Sud underscores the role of healthcare providers in mitigating gun violence. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in direct discussions with patients about gun safety and risks, employing strategies like the “Asking Saves Kids (ASK)” initiative to prevent tragedies. Dr. Sud also advocates for policy interventions, such as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) and community violence intervention programs, which have shown success in states where implemented.<br /><br />Dr. Sud concludes by urging healthcare professionals to become actively involved in advocacy efforts, shaping policies that address the social determinants of gun violence. She believes that fostering bipartisan dialogue focused on safety can significantly enhance public health outcomes, reducing the burden of gun violence on society.

Keywords

gun violence

public health

mental health

children

psychological trauma

data-driven interventions

firearm safety

healthcare providers

Asking Saves Kids

Extreme Risk Protection Orders

community violence intervention

advocacy