The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is discussing public health strategies to reduce firearm violence and misuse.
Officials released a 10-page whitepaper that outlines what they call a public health approach. That includes defining the problem through data and other means, identifying risk factors, and developing prevention strategies.
Health Secretary Kody Kinsley says part of this plan is also the need for action.
“And as we look at the rates of violent death, suicide, homicide, accidental self harm, and then all too often that gun or firearm misuse is connected to these things, you know, it is really important for us to do better as a state.”
Kinsley says the whitepaper follows up on a roundtable last week of health, education, and law enforcement professionals outlining current efforts. According to the paper, five North Carolinians die per day from a firearm-related death.