Georges C. Benjamin

Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis: An Update | Milken Institute Future of Health Summit 2022

Elisabeth Rosenthal, Georges C. Benjamin, Kris Brown, Babak Sarani, Mallory Williams, Bob Axarani

This panel discussion analyzes the surge of gun violence as the leading cause of death for U.S. youth and the healthcare trauma experienced by medical providers and communities. Experts detail how legislative victories like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act are insufficient against systemic barriers, including a predatory firearm industry and Supreme Court rulings that undermine public safety measures. Looking forward, advocates hope to replicate the success of the anti-smoking movement by shifting social norms among younger generations and implementing multi-sector strategies that combine strict policy enforcement with public health interventions.