Press Releases
06/25/2024
Statement from DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani on the firearm violence report issued by Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy
The Connecticut Department of Public Health commends Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy for issuing his report on Tuesday declaring firearm violence as a national public health crisis and his recommendation that it be treated as such.In his report, Dr. Murthy said that a public health approach can guide the nation’s strategy and actions “as it has done in the past with successful efforts to address tobacco-related disease and motor vehicle crashes.”
In Connecticut, we face all forms of firearm violence and by viewing this problem through a public health lens, we can review data and apply interventions that can reduce the number of injuries and deaths due to firearm violence.
The State Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention advises DPH on evidence-based prevention programs and strategies to reduce community gun violence in the state. The commission is comprised of numerous health care providers, public health and violence prevention experts, law enforcement officials, and community leaders.
One of the main goals of the commission is to build and foster strong relationships with local organizations that are involved in community violence and firearm violence prevention and intervention. This includes financial support of these community-based programs for their growth and expansion to high-risk geographic areas throughout Connecticut.
DPH launched its new Office of Firearm Injury Prevention in early 2024 which will address all types of firearm violence including intimate partner violence, mass shootings, community violence and suicide. We will need partners from across the spectrum including law enforcement, the judicial system, health care providers, policymakers and public health professionals. Our goal is that this multi-pronged approach will lead to a solution that will ultimately save lives.