With firearm injury as one of the leading causes of death among children and teens in the U.S., Northwell Health is taking a proactive approach to gun violence prevention. When patients visit the emergency room, doctors ask routine questions about firearm exposure. If alerted through the screening process, social workers assess patients' situations, offer resources, and provide guidance to address underlying issues. The goal of this initiative is to keep kids safer, reduce harm, and normalize the topic of gun safety. Dr. Chethan Sathya MD, director of the Center for Gun Violence Prevention at Northwell Health, asks, “If we’re asking patients and families about substance use, behavioral health issues, exercise, smoking and wellness, then why aren’t we asking about firearm injury risk?” By engaging with patients on this topic, doctors, social workers, and emergency room staff can help lower the overall level of gun violence in communities. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gZKhxxgM #healthcare #healthIT #safety
They are not trying to take away gun rights!!! It is designed to help KIDS that are at risk and may have access to guns at any time.
I am in favor of any attempt to identify and help children and teens at risk.
Wonderful initiative. Thank you for doing this 💛
Regional Trainer for Coach USA Western Region
1moJust wondering, do you ask the same questions of ALL your patients? Or just the parents?