Gun violence is a public health crisis. A preventable one.

Every day in America, there is senseless gun violence. Shootings in our homes, places of worship, schools and on our streets repeatedly threaten our health and safety. No one is immune to the impact.

We, the physicians, care teams and staff of Kaiser Permanente, see firsthand the devastating aftermath of gun violence and bear witness to the inter-generational trauma that has both short- and

long-term effects on physical and mental health.

Through the Kaiser Permanente Task Force on Firearm Injury Prevention we established in 2018, we are supporting research studies and testing firearm screening tools and counseling interventions that focus on how physicians and clinicians can help prevent firearm injuries. This is important work, and yet it is not enough.

Together with all health care organizations, we must do more to prevent gun violence and educate on its health implications in our society.

The most recent tragedies in Uvalde, Buffalo and Laguna Woods compel us to take bold action to reduce the tragic toll of gun violence in America, and treat it as the public health crisis that it is.

In honor of all gun violence victims, Kaiser Permanente will establish a new Center for Gun Violence Research and Education with a focus on gun violence prevention through care innovation, research and education.

We pledge to lead and partner with other health systems, public health authorities, community organizations and business leaders to address this public health crisis and relentlessly pursue a healthier future.