Mega Doctor News
Deemed a public health problem, gun-related mortality and injury rates remain high across the country.
In 2022, firearm injuries were among the five leading causes of death for people between the ages of 1 and 44 years old, per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, with more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths reported. That’s about 132 people who lost their lives each day due to firearm-related injuries.
For every person who dies because of gun violence, more than two survive, per the National Institute for Health Care Management, often with significant and expensive physical and mental injuries.
“With significant health and economic consequences, gun violence is taking a substantial toll on communities nationwide,” says Bianca Hayes, LMSW, Trauma Injury Preventionist, South Texas Health System McAllen. “For those who experience and suffer from gun violence, as well as those who witness it, there are lasting impacts on their health and well-being.”
This National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute is joining Wear Orange – a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the lives of people in the U.S. affected by gun violence and elevating the voices of advocates across the country who are demanding an end to gun violence by taking action – to raise awareness for gun sense.
During National Gun Violence Awareness Day this Friday, June 6, employees across STHS’ 12 facilities, including the STHS McAllen Level 1 Trauma Center team, will wear orange to raise awareness for gun safety while honoringthe victims of gun violence. The system is encouraging community members across the Rio Grande Valley to join in the fight against gun violence by donning orange attire on that day, which is also known as Wear Orange Day.
“As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of residents in the communities we proudly serve, South Texas Health System is joining the national movement that’s brining attention to a leading cause of death in our country, and we’re encouraging everyone to join us for this important initiative. Together, we can build a future free from gun violence,” says Hayes. “Additionally, as Level 1 Trauma Center, STHS McAllen emergency room staff will continue to practice hospital-based violence intervention and educate the community on secure gun storage, as well as how to identify risk factors for gun violence to help support lifesaving change in our region.”
As part of its commitment to safety and wellbeing, the STHS Trauma & Critical Care Institute offers the following gun safety strategies to help keep families and communities safe:
Practice safe gun use: If you own a gun, it is important to know how to safely handle it, load it and clean it. You can take a gun safety class at your local gun store or shooting range.
Never use alcohol before or while shooting: Alcohol, as well as other substances, impair normal mental or physical bodily functions, must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.
Invest in safe gun storage: Two thirds of accidental child gun deaths could have been prevented if guns had been stored properly, per the American College of Surgeons. The safest way to store a gun in your home is unloaded and securely locked.
Store ammunition away from guns: To lower the chance that someone uses a gun to hurt themselves, store bullets in a separate place away from the firearms.
Be aware of additional safety precautions: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the extra safety precautions that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require.
Dispose of unwanted guns: If you have a gun you no longer want, get rid of it safely by contacting local police and inquiring about surrender programs, buy-back initiatives or donation to training programs.
While gun violence has become more prevalent over the past few decades, it’s important to know that gun violence is preventable, especially when you know the signs of potential gun violence like a preoccupation with felt insults, bizarre behavior, displaying paranoia and identifying with others who engaged in past violence towards others.
“When we recognize the signs of potential gun violence, we’re more capable of intervening,” says Hayes. “We can then take the appropriate steps to find help for individuals before an incident occurs.”
For more information on gun violence awareness visit BeSMARTforKids.org.
The STHS Trauma & Critical Care Institute, comprised of 11 emergency rooms across the region – including STHS McAllen’s Level 1 Trauma Center, is home to the largest integrated network of emergency care in the Rio Grande Valley. For more on the Level 1 Trauma Center at STHS McAllen, visit STHSMcAllen.com.
