Academy supports efforts to reduce gun violence

Speaking at a Sept. 26 press conference held by the House of Representatives Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, American Academy of Nursing President Karen Cox, PhD, RN, called for action to address what she called a public health crisis. Cox was invited to speak by Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill., also a nurse, who asked the Academy to provide a nursing perspective on the issue. Nurses care for people and communities injured by guns in mass shootings and other violent encounters. “The American Academy of Nursing stands ready to be a part of the solution and help shape policy to end this public health crisis,” Cox said. The Academy is on record supporting the Background Check Expansion Act (H.R.8/S.42) and increased funding for research into gun violence. It also published recommendations for reducing gun violence, including “A Public Health Crisis: Recommendations to reduce gun violence in America” and “Recommendations in Response to Mass Shootings.” (American Academy of Nursing news release, 9/26/19)