Dangerous formula behind summer surge in gun violence

If it feels like you’re hearing about a new shooting investigation every time you turn on the news, there’s some unfortunate proof behind the phenomenon. Data and recent reports show that 2021 could be a record year for gun violence.

“It's not just Seattle and King County that we're seeing this in, but it's across the country,” says Dr. Fred Rivara, a UW Medicine pediatrician, and the director the Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program at the Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center. “Every major city across the country is seeing an increase in gun violence.”

UW Medicine is dedicated to curbing the violent trend, with case managers serving as a resource for people admitted to Harborview Medical Center with firearm injuries. An interactive map is also available to help people in crisis find voluntary firearm storage out of their homes.

In downloadable video assets, Rivara explains the factors that may be giving rise to gun violence, along with resources to safely handle and store your firearms.