Ignoring Gun Violence Is a Death Sentence—Governors Must Act Now
Gun violence is more than just a crisis—it is a public health emergency. Every year, tens of thousands of Americans lose their lives to gun-related incidents, and countless others are left physically and emotionally scarred. The ripple effects extend far beyond the victims, affecting families, communities, and entire generations.
Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence that gun violence is a persistent and deadly threat, many elected officials continue to treat it as a political issue rather than the public health crisis it is. It’s time for that to change.
Recently, the Supreme Court of New Mexico upheld Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s emergency gun violence order, affirming that nothing in state law prevents gun violence from being classified as a public health emergency. While the ruling was specific to the governor’s emergency powers, the decision sends a clear message—gun violence is not just a matter of law enforcement, but a broader societal issue that requires urgent action.
This decision should serve as a wake-up call for governors across the country. Leaders have long declared public health emergencies for diseases, natural disasters, and other urgent threats to human life—why should gun violence be treated any differently?
The Devastating Toll of Gun Violence
The statistics speak for themselves:
• Over 48,000 Americans died from gun-related injuries in 2022—the highest number ever recorded.
• Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S., surpassing even car accidents.
• Gun violence disproportionately affects marginalized communities, with Black Americans being 10 times more likely than white Americans to die from firearm-related homicides.
• The economic cost of gun violence—including medical care, law enforcement, and lost productivity—is estimated at $489 billion annually.
A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence
If gun violence were treated like the public health crisis that it is, we would approach it with the same urgency and resources we dedicate to other threats:
- Evidence-Based Prevention – Just as we use research and data to combat diseases, we must invest in violence intervention programs, mental health resources, and community-led initiatives proven to reduce gun-related harm.
- Stronger Regulations – Universal background checks, safe storage laws, and restrictions on high-capacity firearms are basic, common-sense measures that could save lives without infringing on responsible gun ownership.
- Support for Survivors – Victims of gun violence often experience long-term trauma, yet mental health and recovery services are severely underfunded. A public health approach would prioritize support for survivors and their families.
- Community Investment – Many shootings stem from systemic issues such as poverty, lack of access to education, and untreated mental health conditions. Addressing these root causes is essential to breaking the cycle of violence.
Governors Must Follow New Mexico’s Lead
While the New Mexico ruling was significant, it should be just the beginning. Governors across the country have the power to declare gun violence a public health emergency, unlocking additional funding and policy tools to protect their citizens.
By making such a declaration, governors could:
Direct emergency funding to violence prevention programs
Expand mental health services for at-risk individuals and survivors
Strengthen public safety measures through executive action
Mobilize public health agencies to study and address the root causes of gun violence
We urge our leaders—at the state and federal levels—to stop waiting for another tragedy and take decisive action now.
The Time to Act Is Now
We cannot afford to normalize mass shootings, domestic gun violence, and rising firearm deaths. We must demand that our leaders recognize the crisis for what it is: a national public health emergency.
Governor Lujan Grisham took a bold step in New Mexico. Now, it’s time for other governors to follow suit and take real action to protect lives, support communities, and create a future free from gun violence.
Take Action: Call on your governor to declare gun violence a public health emergency. Demand policy solutions that will save lives. The time for change is now.
