Yesterday, the California Medical Association, American Medical Association and dozens of health care organizations across the country urged Congress to strengthen its commitment to mental health services, including screening, prevention and treatment.

“As we come together as a nation to mourn the most recent victims of senseless gun violence," the letter stated, “we must make a real and lasting commitment to work together on meaningful solutions to prevent future tragedies.

“As physicians, we see first-hand the devastating consequences of gun violence to victims and their families,” the letter stated. “We offer our experience and expertise in finding workable, common sense solutions to reduce the epidemic of gun violence.”

The letter urged that funding be made available for increased research on violence prevention in general and on the epidemiology of gun-related injuries and deaths in particular, as well as to implement available evidence-based interventions.

The letter also addressed gun control, suggesting that strategies for preventing gun-related tragedies must be carefully considered. “The relatively easy access to the increased firepower of assault weapons, semi-automatic firearms, high-capacity magazines, and high-velocity ammunition heightens the risk of multiple gunshot wounds and severe penetrating trauma, resulting in more critical injuries and deaths. Renewing and strengthening the assault weapons ban, including banning high-capacity magazines, would be a step in the right direction.“

To read the full letter, click here.

Contact: Elizabeth McNeil, (415) 882-3376 or emcneil@cmadocs.org.