Firearm Injury Prevention

Firearm injury prevention includes both public health and safety strategies. When employed successfully, these strategies can help reduce the risk of firearm injuries, whether fatal or nonfatal, and whether intentional or accidental.

Firearm injury prevention strategies address the needs of people who are at greatest risk for experiencing a firearm injury or death. Examples of strategies include:

• Street outreach and violence interrupter programs, such as community violence intervention programs, hospital-based violence intervention programs, group violence intervention programs and gang reduction programs.
• Gatekeeper programs for suicide prevention, such as Applied Suicide Prevention Skills Training and Question, Persuade and Refer.
• Clinical training for suicide risk assessment and care, such as the Zero Suicide Initiative and Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk.
• Therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavior therapy to minimize harm and risk.
• Improvements in physical conditions within communities, such as increased lighting and signage and building upkeep, to improve safety.

A Public Health Crisis

Gun violence, and its associated firearm-related injuries, is a public health crisis. It affects the well-being and safety of all Michigan residents, and it is essential to take a strong public health approach to preventing future incidents of gun violence.

Experiencing violence impacts a person’s lifelong health, opportunities and overall well-being. Individuals exposed to violence are often at greater risk for developing physical and mental health conditions. They are also more likely to experience other forms of violence, and educational or employment challenges. Even those not directly injured by firearms may still suffer consequences when witnessing violence in neighborhoods or schools or experiencing the trauma of losing a loved one.

A public health approach brings together a wide range of experts, such as researchers, advocates, public safety officials, community-based organizations, policymakers and those with lived experience. These experts develop, implement, disseminate and evaluate equitable, evidence-based gun violence prevention strategies in local communities.