FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD
“The American Public Health Association expresses our sympathies for those affected by last night’s shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as our deep dismay over the tragic epidemic of gun violence that continues to shake our nation.
We also offer our support and gratitude to the first responders who worked quickly to treat and comfort those affected last night.
This tragedy is yet another reminder that we must address the public health crisis of gun violence in our country. Individuals everywhere deserve laws that protect them from acts of violence like this one. Comprehensive gun safety laws are a key component of violence prevention and a public health priority, and we stand ready to continue to work with lawmakers to enact commonsense measures to reduce gun violence and treat this issue with the urgency it deserves.
We need to work together to better understand the culture of violence in our nation, identify commonsense solutions and not allow hate to divide us at the very time we need everyone’s help in ending these dual public health crises — violence and the pandemic.”
Visit APHA’s website for resources addressing gun violence prevention.
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The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and all communities. We are the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.