Gun Violence Prevention

Transition Plan for Strong Communities

Gun Violence Prevention

Gun violence is a public health threat that profoundly affects children. Each day, 83 children are injured or killed by firearms. The administration must take decisive action to prevent firearm-related morbidity and mortality and ensure children are safe where they live, learn, and play.

Increase investments in gun violence prevention research. The AAP supports a minimum of $50 million to support high-quality research on reducing firearm-related morbidity and mortality at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

Strengthen background checks. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) should improve background checks for firearm purchases through more effective and efficient management of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Promote safe firearm storage. Public health education efforts should support physician education of patients on safe firearm storage practices.

Expand support of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). DOJ policy should significantly expand federal support for jurisdictions with ERPO policies that temporarily remove firearms from individuals at imminent risk to themselves or others through funding, training, and technical assistance.