Washington, DC – Monday, our nation was rocked, yet again, by the news of the tragic loss of young lives. Three nine-year-old students and three adult staffers were killed when a former student opened fire in The Covenant School in an affluent neighborhood in Nashville, TN. The Gun Violence Council of the National Medical Association, issued the following statement:
The National Medical Association is mourning the loss of seven lives today, and we grieve with the families of the victims. Gun Violence is a public health crisis that our country continues to respond to with condolences, thoughts, and prayers, instead of passing laws to prevent violence and create safety. Condolences are performative, empty words that do nothing to prevent this from happening again.
As doctors, we are responsible for the safety of our patients – and lawmakers should feel the same, deep sense of responsibility for ensuring the safety of their constituents. People cannot just be – we cannot go to the grocery store, to church, for a jog, or a drive, or even being in school seeking an education without the threat of violence hanging over our heads. Policymakers are not taking seriously gun violence and the urgent, desperate need for common-sense gun reform in this country.
The NMA is calling for immediate legislation to stop the flow of firearms used in crimes by closing the gun show loopholes and establishing mandatory universal background checks. We are calling for investment in community-based programs that prevent and reduce violence, lower recidivism, and increase funding for community policing. There must be a comprehensive plan for more Mental Health treatment facilities and more qualified Mental Health Professionals.
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The NMA promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We carry out this mission by serving as the collective voice of physicians of African descent and a leading force for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health.
Media Contact: Michael L. Peery MLP@lengarmedia.com 312.217.2260
