Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the United States, killing more than 38,000 people per year and injuring many more. From time to time there are important efforts to reduce gun violence through legislation—usually in response to a tragic event.  There is another very important approach that deserves more attention--the growing recognition that gun violence is a public health issue.
 
On Monday, October 28, 2019 at 7:30 PM, Temple Isaiah and the League of Women Voters, Lexington, are co-sponsoring a talk by Dr. David Hemenway based on his highly acclaimed book, Private Guns, Public Health (U Michigan Press 2017).  David Hemenway, Ph.D., is a Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Director of the Harvard Injury Control Research Center. He has written over 240 journal articles and five books including Private Guns, Public Health.
 
Our event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln St, Lexington, MA 02421.  Refreshments will be available from 6:30 PM-7:30 PM, and Dr. Hemenway will speak at 7:30 PM.
 
Dr. Hemenway’s talk will present the case for approaching gun violence as a public health issue-- emphasizing prevention over punishment. He will frame the issue using current data and research, compare the United States to other countries, and propose ways to reduce gun violence.