Some great ideas in here about how to reduce the number of gun deaths.
When it comes to gun violence, Dr. Prothrow-Stith says the primary phase should be raising awareness and trying to increase safety.
The secondary phase is about understanding the risk factors. "How do we help children who are hurt, either because they're victims of violence or they're witnessing violence, especially domestic violence or gang violence, on a regular basis?" she asks. "How do we help them heal from the anger, the guilt, the pain, but also give them the strategies to move forward?"
Programs like "Big Brothers Big Sisters" are a great example of a secondary intervention because they give kids distractions, purpose and opportunities. Don't underestimate the power of staying busy, Dr. Prothrow-Stith adds.
Spend money on programs that actually make a difference. 2/3rds of gun deaths are suicides, so if we can take a meaningful chunk out of that number by giving people the support they need, it'll be a huge benefit to America.
I disagree with the point about restarting the assault weapon ban though. I'd prefer stricter licensing requirements around semi-auto rifles with detachable magazines and handguns, or some other set of rules like that. An outright ban takes away my rights, and I won't put up with that.