At this difficult time, the Center for Research Strategies offers condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and support for those who continue to be hospitalized. The tragic shootings underscore the importance of dealing with violence as a public health concern. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Violence Policy Center, gun deaths in Colorado and nine other states now exceed automobile fatalities. Colorado like many states has implemented strategies to reduce deaths caused by automobiles by mandating seat belts, combating drunk driving and limiting teens driving with other teens. These safety measures have cut the rate of Colorado’s auto deaths in half since 1995. By comparison, there have been no concerted efforts to limit gun purchases or to address violence prevention, safe guns storage or gun safety and education. While it remains unclear that the Aurora theater killings could have been prevented by stronger gun control measures, the event points out opportunities for stronger education and prevention measures to address how public policy could help prevent future mass shootings, as well as gang killings and domestic violence that cause the death of over one Coloradan a day from guns. For more information on this important topic, see: http://www.healthpolicysolutions.org/2012/07/24/public-health-leaders-afraid-to-say-guns/
