FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Doctors for America
PO Box 53313
1921 Florida Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009-9997
June 7, 2024
Doctors for America White Coat Event with the White House on Firearm Safety
Washington, D.C.: Doctors for America, in collaboration with the Office of Gun Violence Prevention staff and a coalition of healthcare organizations, announces a landmark visit to the White House Office for Gun Violence Prevention. The coalition represents a diverse spectrum of medical expertise, including physicians, nurses, violence prevention workers, emergency responders, and others, to elevate the critical role of healthcare professionals in combating the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States.
Representatives from Doctors for America, This is Our Lane, Brady, Scrubs Addressing the Firearms Epidemic, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Health Alliance for Violence Prevention, the American College of Physicians, the American Geriatrics Society, and the American College of Preventive Medicine among other healthcare entities will be in attendance. Together, these organizations bring a wealth of experience and commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by gun violence.
In light of the alarming statistics surrounding gun-related injuries and fatalities, this collective of healthcare advocates continues to advocate tirelessly for measures aimed at reducing gun violence within communities nationwide. Their mission extends beyond the confines of medical facilities, reaching into legislative chambers and patient interactions alike. Doctors for America shares their mission and dedication, encouraging all healthcare professionals to encourage safe storage in their conversations and communities.
Dr. Halleh Akbarnia, Chair of the Community Health and Prevention impact area with Doctors for America, expressed the group’s collective determination, stating, “As healthcare professionals, we witness firsthand the devastating impact of gun violence on individuals, families, and communities. Gun violence is the number one cause of death for children and has been for the last four years. Almost 5 million children live in households where a gun is loaded and unlocked. We also know that having access to a gun in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide death by 300%. As healthcare professionals, we can do something about this just by starting the discussion with our patients. It is our duty to not only treat the wounds inflicted by these tragedies but also to actively work towards preventing them.”
The visit to the White House underscores a shared commitment to collaborative action, leveraging the expertise and influence of healthcare professionals to effect meaningful change in the realm of gun violence prevention. By engaging with policymakers and stakeholders at the highest levels, the delegation seeks to catalyze initiatives that address the root causes of gun violence and promote comprehensive strategies for prevention and intervention.
About Doctors for America:
Doctors for America mobilizes doctors and medical students to be leaders in putting patients over politics to improve the health of our patients, communities, and nation. We are 27,000 physicians and medical students in all 50 states, representing all areas of specialization. Our impact areas focus on access to affordable care, community health and prevention, and health justice and equity. DFA focuses solely on what is best for our patients, not on the business side of medicine, and does not accept any funding from pharmaceutical or medical device companies; which uniquely positions DFA as the organization that puts patients over politics and patients over profits. Find out more at doctorsforamerica.org and on X at @drsforamerica.
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