The former U.S. surgeon general's 2024 advisory calling gun violence a public health crisis has been take down by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) following orders from the Trump administration.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has removed an advisory from its website that labeled gun violence as a public health crisis. This advisory, which was posted in September 2023, had highlighted the significant impact of gun violence, noting that it was the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. The removal of this label has sparked controversy and debate over the recognition and handling of gun violence as a public health issue. Critics argue that this move could hinder efforts to address gun violence through public health strategies, while supporters of the removal believe that such classifications might politicize the issue or detract from other public health priorities. The decision reflects ongoing tensions between public health perspectives and political considerations regarding gun control and safety measures.