The Yours, Mine, and Ours — Public Health series highlights how our state’s public health agencies keep us healthy, safe, and informed about issues impacting physical and mental health in our communities, homes, workplaces, and schools. The series is made possible with funding from the Michigan Association for Local Public Health.
Gun violence continues to take a toll on communities across Michigan, with firearm-related deaths increasing statewide. In 2022, Michigan recorded over 1,500 gun-related injuries and deaths, with Detroit experiencing some of the highest rates of gun violence in the state, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Public health experts throughout the state are working tirelessly to address this issue through community partnerships and education programs. Universities and health departments across the state are taking action to prevent firearm-related tragedies.
The role of public health in addressing gun violence
In recent years, public health professionals have increasingly framed gun violence as a public health crisis. This approach, championed by organizations such as the University of Michigan’s Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention (IFIP), is built on the idea that firearm injuries are preventable, much like any other public health epidemic.
“We know that firearm injuries are a major cause of death and disability, but what’s often missing in the conversation is that firearm injuries are preventable,” says Dr. Hsing-Fang Hsieh, co-director of education and training at IFIP. “Our work focuses on research, education, and policy recommendations that can save lives.”
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