Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Every day, seven youth die from a firearm injury. Each year, 720 children qualify for disability status after experiencing a nonfatal firearm injury. What's more, nonfatal injuries increase health care expenditures by $100 million.
The scope of the problem is well known among the nation's children's hospitals. Pediatric health care professionals are taking action to keep children safe and to support families and communities as they recover from the trauma caused by firearm injuries and deaths.
A report written by Children's Hospital Association describes children's hospitals firearm injury prevention efforts, encourages collaboration, and presents advocacy opportunities to support the essential role children's hospitals play in firearm injury prevention.
Download the report and learn about the important work being done at our nation's pediatric hospitals and health systems. CHA has also created a slide deck and social media graphics to help members bring attention to the public health crisis of firearms violence.
