This module discusses the epidemiology of firearm injuries in the United States, with particular attention to rural communities, as well as the relationship between firearm access and injury risk. It includes evidence-based recommendations for approaching firearm injury prevention, with a specific emphasis on suicide prevention. This topic may contain information that may create distress for some individuals who have suffered from firearm injury. Mental health resources should be discussed and offered.
Joseph Simonetti, MD, MPH
Dr. Simonetti serves as Director of Mentorship & Education of the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine and is a Clinical Investigator at the VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention. His research focuses on developing patient-centered firearm injury prevention interventions for individuals at risk of suicide. As an educator, he works locally and nationally to support VA and community-based clinicians in delivering evidence-based and culturally informed counseling interventions.
Learning Objectives
After completion of this module, the student will be able to:
Describe the epidemiology of firearm injuries in the U.S., including by level of urbanization.
Recognize why firearm access is a risk factor for suicide, homicide, and unintentional injury and death.
Recommend evidence-based approaches to firearm injury prevention.