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Is gun violence a public health ‘epidemic’ that calls for more action?

The Maine Psychological Association said in an open letter released this week that gun violence in the U.S. is a “major public health concern” and that “action is needed now more than ever to protect our children and communities.”

President Jamie Pratt wrote the letter on behalf of the association, saying further that the professional group representing more than 600 psychologists and psychological examiners in Maine “urges the adoption of a comprehensive public health approach informed by science to prevent gun violence.” Meanwhile, Dr. Jeff Barkin, president of the Maine Medical Association, said in an interview this week that gun violence an “epidemic” in the U.S.

The comments from Maine medical professionals came following another mass shooting over the Fourth of July weekend. A man is charged with killing seven people at an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois, and has reportedly told authorities he thought about also shooting up an event in Madison, Wisconsin, after fleeing there.

Late last month, President Biden signed the most sweeping gun violence bill in decades in the wake of a shooting massacre of 19 students and two teachers at a Texas elementary school.

But what do you think? Do you think gun violence is a public health epidemic and do you think further action is needed it? Let us know what you think the poll and comments below.

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