Stopping gun violence in Philadelphia

National Gun Violence Awareness Day commences today, ushering in Wear Orange Weekend and National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The Philadelphia health department will publish a blog series each Friday in June to explore gun violence as a public health issue and outline strategies for prevention. In the past year, the U. S. Surgeon General labeled gun violence a pressing public health crisis, reporting 31,409 injuries and 16,576 deaths nationwide.

In Philadelphia, gun violence has declined notably, with a 43% decrease in homicides last year, the largest reduction among major U. S. cities. The blog series will educate the public on gun violence statistics and the health department's initiatives to combat this issue. Key strategies include community violence intervention programs and partnerships between government and community organizations.

The public is encouraged to participate in events and wear orange to honor survivors of gun violence. Collaborative efforts across various sectors aim to create long-term improvements in violence prevention.