North Shore Health Department Highlights 2/20/2018

Did You Know?

 

Firearm deaths, including homicides, suicides, and unintentional shootings are a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States.Each year we lose over 30,000 people from firearm-related violence. The public health approach is focused on finding the cause to a problem and implementing preventative measures. Gun violence can be studied with the same approach by using tools such as surveillance, epidemiologic analysis, intervention design, and evaluation to develop solutions and policies to eliminate the threat. To enhance the public health approach to gun violence, advocates argue we need better data, more research, stronger policies like better criminal background checks for all firearm purchases, expanded access to mental health services, resources for school and community-based prevention, and access to gun safety technology.

 

What is the North Shore Health Department (NSHD) doing to prevent violence?

 

The NSHD is an active member of REDgen, a North Shore coalition dedicated to promoting balance and resiliency for children and teenagers.

 

In partnership with Mental Health America of Wisconsin (MHA) to prevent youth and adult suicide and other firearm-related violence, the NSHD distributes gun locks to police departments in the North Shore.

 

NSHD is also a part of the Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee Coalition. The coalition promotes suicide prevention by providing education, increasing awareness, and facilitating community collaboration. Reducing access to lethal means like firearms has been a focus of local and national suicide prevention groups for many years.