The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently removed the 2024 surgeon general’s advisory on gun violence from its website, leading to a "Page Not Found" message where the vital information used to reside. This action, according to HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon, is part of the department's compliance with President Trump's Executive Order on Protecting Second Amendment Rights. Issued last month, this executive order calls for an examination of all regulations, guidance, and other actions that might impinge on the rights of law-abiding citizens under the Second Amendment.
Originally released in June 2024 by Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, this advisory was significant as it was the first time the nation’s top public health official classified gun violence as a public health crisis. Murthy’s advisory emphasized the urgent need for stronger laws and more comprehensive research on the issue. Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further underline the gravity of the situation, with 46,726 firearm-related deaths recorded in 2023—representing just a 4% decrease from the record high of 48,830 deaths in 2021.
"If we care about kids and about making America healthy again, we have to address gun violence," argued former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, who served during the first Trump administration. He highlighted a critical aspect of the gun violence crisis, noting that more than half of the deaths in recent years were due to suicide. In a recent statement, Adams expressed the need for comprehensive public health strategies, particularly focusing on suicide prevention and providing support to veterans. He called on policymakers to collaborate with public health experts and law enforcement to develop solutions that prioritize safety and well-being.
The advisory's removal comes amidst the backdrop of significant changes at the federal level concerning gun violence prevention. The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which was set up during the Biden administration to coordinate federal responses to mass shootings and community violence, reportedly ceased operations earlier this January. This closure raises questions about the federal government's commitment to addressing gun violence as a pressing public health concern.
One of the criticisms following the advisory's removal came from Emma Brown, executive director of Giffords, a leading gun violence prevention organization named after former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Brown stated, "By removing this important public health advisory with lifesaving resources, President Trump has chosen to prioritize gun industry profits over protecting kids and families." She pointed out that guns have become the leading cause of death for American children since 2020. This statement underscores the perspective of various health care experts who have long recognized gun violence as a severe public health crisis.
In the wake of these events, President Trump's choice for the next surgeon general, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, has yet to be scheduled for a confirmation hearing. Nesheiwat, a family physician from New York and a former medical contributor for Fox News, has a personal history with gun violence—having lost her father in a tragic gun accident during her childhood. Her nomination adds another layer of complexity to the discussion surrounding gun violence prevention efforts.
As discussions continue regarding the implications of these policy changes, many health experts and advocates are urging the need for ongoing dialogue about gun safety and mental health resources. With gun violence remaining a substantial problem affecting communities nationwide, the call for effective solutions and comprehensive public health approaches is more critical than ever.
In summary, the removal of the 2024 surgeon general’s advisory on gun violence raises significant concerns. As America grapples with the reality of firearm-related deaths and their implications on public health, the responses from government officials, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups will play a crucial role in shaping the future of gun violence prevention efforts.
