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A resolution recognizing gun violence as a public health crisis.
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WHEREAS, gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the United States and guns are the leading method of suicide in the U.S., accounting for half of all suicide deaths; and
WHEREAS, gun violence affects people of all ages and races in the U.S., but has a disproportionate impact on young adults, males, and racial/ethnic minorities; and
WHEREAS, more than 39,000 people die and 85,000 are injured from gun violence each year in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, with 109 deaths by gun violence, 2020 marked the third highest year for homicides in Nashville and there have been already been more than 33 deaths so far in 2021; and
WHEREAS, as of May 7th, 2021, the Gun Violence Archive has documented 183 mass shootings across the United States. In comparison, a total of 104 mass shootings occurred by this same time in 2020; and
WHEREAS, President Joe Biden has called gun violence “an epidemic”, and is taking executive actions to support community-based violence intervention programs as well as funding for research of gun violence and gun-related deaths; and
WHEREAS, gun violence costs the U.S. $280 billion annually, including the cost of work loss, medical and mental health care, emergency transportation, police and criminal justice activities, insurance claims, employer costs, and decreased quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council recognizes gun violence in the United States as a matter of public health. Further research should be conducted to better understand the health impacts, both physically and mentally, of gun violence and to find solutions to this matter that touches the lives of all Americans.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing gun violence as a public health crisis.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.