Gun violence is a public health emergency. Every day, health systems—like Trinity Health—are responding to the trauma caused by violence, including gun violence. In 2021, gun-related injuries led to nearly 49,000 fatalities, an increase of 8% over the previous year. In fact, gun-related injuries have surpassed motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death for children and adolescents.




Trinity Health is taking a stand to prevent gun violence today, on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and every day. I joined nearly 50 leaders from other large health systems to convene a National Health Care CEO Council on Gun Violence Prevention & Safety because together we can spread public education and awareness along with violence intervention best practices.




The political will for compromise on gun safety legislation exists. A recent poll found that Americans back gun safety legislation including: 87% support criminal background checks for all gun buyers; 81% support raising the legal age to buy guns to 21; and 80% requiring mental health checks for all gun purchasers.




Trinity Health has shared policy recommendations to confront violence, improve the health of communities and care for the common good.