An outside-the-box plan addressing gun violence and mass shootings released by Los Angeles County officials on Friday, April 7 emphasizes preventive actions that can be taken by neighbors, school officials and emergency room doctors as part of a public health approach to the problem.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s 40-point plan outlines four action categories:
• Support legislation to reinstate a federal ban on assault weapons, as well as passing other gun-control measures.
• Incorporate more healing practices to help victims and witnesses traumatized by gun violence in order to prevent retaliation shootings.
• Increase the use of gun violence restraining orders initiated by community members who believe someone is dangerous, who has a large number of guns in their home, or is experiencing mental distress.
• Broaden access to support systems, including more mental health resources, especially for K-12 students.
A key aspect of the county report is that it is not law enforcement-based. Instead, it is asking members of the community, and public health employees, to be proactive in order to prevent the mass shootings that have become a common occurrence in American society.
“We are living in an era of appalling gun violence in this country that shows no signs of abating,” said Barbara Ferrer, director of the county Department of Public Health, at a news conference. “During the first 11 weeks of 2023 the United States experienced more than 100 mass shootings,” including the Jan. 21 shooting at a Monterey Park dance hall that left 11 dead.
“Without sustained, meaningful action on gun violence we are all but conceding the future and we are noting it will be no better than our grim present — and perhaps worse,” Ferrer said.
Ferrer pointed out that many people do not know about a tool that she believes can prevent a shooting: Neighbors, co-workers or family members can obtain a gun violence restraining order if a…
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