Fig . 1 . Jason Smith , MD , trauma surgeon and University of Louisville Hospital Chief Medical Officer , joins Congressional leaders in call for gun violence control measures .
checks without loopholes , waiting periods and gun safety training on all firearm transfers ( store , internet or gun-show purchases and gifts ), and third , establishment of Extreme Risk (“ Red Flag ”) laws to disarm persons legally found to pose risks of gun violence to self or others .
The second set of actions we must pursue is advocacy of state or community initiatives to analyze and address the socio-economic issues behind community gun violence and its causes and effects on various locales and populations . Also , we must repeal KRS 65:870 which bans local governments from enacting gun control measures . Then we must move forward in Louisville , irrespective of state inaction . North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper recently established a State Office of Violence Prevention , using an executive order in face of opposition by the Legislature : this is a good example . 2
References :
1 https :// www . bradyunited . org /
2 https :// governor . nc . gov / news / press-releases / 2023 / 03 / 14 / governor-cooper-signs-executive-order-establishing-state-office-violence-prevention
Dr . Tobin is a professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine , Department of Surgery , Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery . He practices with UofL Physicians – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery .
These initiatives will surely be opposed by individuals and organizations who lack public health concerns and blind themselves to these great tragedies – while accepting campaign monies from the National Rifle Association ( NRA ). However , our commitment to our founding principles of “ Life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness ” and our professional ethics of patient service and public health stewardship must be stronger . This will become the full manifestation of our thoughts and prayers .
June 2023 23