Thoughts and Prayers Continue to Not Be Enough

By Jonathan Dickman, MD, PhD

Back in 2022 I wrote in this column how “thoughts and prayers” were not going to be enough to solve our gun violence problem. Now with the recent Minnesota political assassination, it is time to circle back to this topic as gun violence continues to impact our community. Gun violence not only impacts the people who are injured or killed, but also many others who care for or receive care from that person. Some people make the argument that guns simply need to be removed from certain people such as criminals or those who struggle with mental health. That type of thinking, however, would not have prevented this event as it was completed by a person with no previously known criminal background or mental health concerns. We simply need to work together to have common sense gun behaviors and legislation to keep everyone safe.

The gun violence problem continues at an unacceptable rate. According to the Gun Violence Archive, in 2023 there were over 46,000 people in the United States that died by a firearm. That is over 127 deaths per day or over five people every hour. Even worse is that there continues to be more than one mass shooting, on average, every day in the United States (defined as at least 4 people being shot in one incident). In comparison, Canada had less than 300 people die from firearm related homicide in 2023. When thinking about the stark difference between these two countries, it becomes clear that we need to take steps to reduce gun violence in our community.

What can you do now? First is to “Be SMART” with gun safety. This acronym stands for the basic tenants of being wise regarding guns that already exist in our community. First is to Secure all firearms in your household and ensure it is stored, locked, unloaded and in a location that is inaccessible to children. Next is to Model responsible behavior around guns and Ask your neighbors about whether they have guns and requesting that they also take the same safety measures. You are also encouraged to Recognize the role that guns have in suicides. In 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, over 58% of gun related deaths were suicides. Thus, while some feel that they want a gun for safety, in reality the most likely target of a gun is the owner or their family! Finally, Tell others about how they can “Be SMART” with guns.

Some of you may also be asking, what about gun violence prevention laws? Do they work? Turns out that a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that stricter laws are effective in reducing gun violence. This is why it is critical that we reach out to our local representatives and ask them to champion common-sense gun violence prevention measures. You can visit everytown.org/state/minnesota to learn more about what local gun violence prevention efforts would be worth discussing with your representative. To determine which politician you should contact, check online under “Who represents me” (gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/). Tell them what you learned from this article in addition to your own experience. Let them know that “thoughts and prayers” have never been, and never will be, enough to keep us safe. We need action to keep our loved ones safe from gun violence.

Dr. Dickman is a physician at Allina Health United Family Physicians, 233 Grand Ave, St. Paul, 55102, 651-241-5200.