Survivors of gun injuries often face a long, painful recovery. When the gun victims are children or teens, family members also struggle.
In the year following a firearm injury, child and adolescent survivors endured significant increases in pain, psychiatric and substance use disorders compared to their peers, according to research published Monday in the journal Health Affairs. The mental health of family members also was affected.
Dr. Patrick Carter spoke with NBC News about the importance of addressing firearm-related harms with a comprehensive strategy.