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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 15, 2021 04:17 PM
From:	Representative Brian Sims
To:	All House members
Subject:	Recognizing Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis

In 2020, over 43,000 Americans were killed by firearms. In 2020 in Philadelphia, more than 2,000 people were shot and 405 were killed due to gun violence. This represents a 40% increase in fatal shootings over 2019. Other threats to the health and safety of Pennsylvanians, like car accidents and cigarette smoking, have been approached as public health issues with responses focused on prevention and education. These efforts have proven successful - the number of fatal car accidents in Pennsylvania declined by 20% between 1998 and 2018 and the incidence of lung cancer declined by at least 4% every year between 2013 and 2017. This approach can be used to save lives from gun violence. The American Medical Association recognizes gun violence as a public health crisis and has urged legislative action. I hope that you will join me cosponsoring this resolution calling for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to save lives and combat gun violence with a public health approach

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