Where We Stand
Section: Public Health
Policy: Firearms Injury Prevention Task Force

Firearms Injury Prevention Task Force

The OMA supports the Firearms Injury Prevention Task Force recommendations.

See Appendix K  

  1. Firearm injury is a public health epidemic that affects all ages, races, and socioeconomic levels. The sequelae from firearm injury threatens the welfare and well-being of all Oregonians. Methods to reduce firearm-related injuries and deaths should be broad and comprehensive.
  2. Gun ownership is valued by a substantial percentage of the population, including a portion of healthcare providers. Laws and policies to reduce firearm-related deaths and injuries should be evidence-based and consistent with the constitutional right of firearm ownership.
  3. Deaths and injuries related to firearms are preventable. Firearm-related deaths and injuries can be reduced in Oregon.
  4. Effective screening, assessment, counseling, and restricted access to firearms among high-risk individuals can preserve life and function.
  5. Physicians and other healthcare providers have a responsibility to take action, lead public health efforts, and inform evidence-based legislation to reduce firearm injury and death.
  6. Physicians and other healthcare providers must have unrestricted ability to discuss firearm safety, screen at-risk patients, and counsel patients and their families to avoid firearm injury.
  7. Addressing key factors, including mental health crises, domestic violence, and alcohol misuse, are important aspects of reducing firearm injury.
  8. Changing how violence is portrayed in society is a crucial step towards reducing firearm injury. The depiction of violence in the media, television, movies, and other aspects of society desensitizes the public and contributes to a culture of violence.
  9. Expanded efforts in clinician training and public education about firearm injury are needed. These educational efforts should cut across all demographics and ages, representing all populations affected by firearm injury.
  10. Research and research funding are needed to guide evidence-based methods to reduce firearm injury and deaths. Data collection, data sharing, and other efforts related to firearm research should be strongly supported across communities, agencies, and organizations.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees, June 2019.

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