Pediatric Healthcare Providers are the Cornerstone of Firearm Injury Prevention

Firearm violence is the leading cause of death in children and adolescents in the United States, impacting children of all socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity, though with significant burden in minority populations. Pediatricians have a unique role in prevention of firearm injury and mortality through intervention, education, and advocacy. Specifically, pediatricians can screen to identify those at risk, counsel patients and families to prevent firearm injuries, work within local communities to improve targeted intervention strategies, and participate in national advocacy groups. By taking a personal responsibility and a public health approach, pediatric health care providers play a pivotal in decreasing the burden of firearm injury, mortality, and adherence to gun safety.