Major medical and public health groups call for action on gun violence

A group of seven medical and public health organizations, including the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association, is urging immediate action on the issue of gun-related injuries and deaths. “The magnitude and frequency of mass attacks are unacceptable to our organizations,” the group shared in a statement. It said lawmakers should enact measures including comprehensive background checks for all firearm purchases — including at gun shows — while also pushing for more research into the causes behind gun violence. The group is also calling for closing a loophole that currently allows those with a history of domestic violence against spouses or parents but not domestic partners or other family members to purchase guns. The organizations emphasize that although a majority of people with mental illness are not violent, screening and treatment for mental health could be a preventive measure against violence using guns.