June 7^th, 2024 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, an opportunity to honor survivors and to build community with those working to end gun violence. We hope you’ll Wear Orange on June 7^th. This color was chosen by the family of Hadiya Pendleton who was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago in 2013. Check out WearOrange.org for more information!

Since 2020, guns are the #1 cause of death of children and teens in the U.S. Gun violence affects all ages. Children as young as 3 years old have the grip strength to accidentally pull the trigger. Every year, 350 children in the U.S. unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else. In addition, suicide attempts are far more likely to be fatal if a firearm is used.

As child healthcare providers and concerned community members, we envision a world without gun violence. I asked pediatric healthcare workers in D.C. to share their experiences related to gun violence.

Why do pediatric healthcare workers Wear Orange?

“I wear orange to honor those in the community where I work who have lost their lives to gun violence, stand in solidarity with my patients affected by this tragedy, and assert that unjust deaths are inexcusable. Wearing orange symbolizes my unwavering commitment to ending gun violence.” Ameena Ahmed, Attending Psychologist, Children’s National Hospital

“I wear orange because I see how gun violence is affecting the community in DC. More and more, it seems like we are losing patients, leaving behind devastated family members.” Jen Floran, Social Worker, General & Community Pediatrics | Psychology, Children’s National Hospital

“It [gun violence] is the leading cause of mortality in children and young adults, and it is entirely preventable.” Priti Bhansali, Attending Physician & Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Hospital Medicine, Children’s National Hospital

“All children and adolescents should be able to grow up without gun violence. I Wear Orange for my own children, for my patients, and for the children in our community to have the chance to live without fear.” Nathaniel Beers, Executive Vice President, Community and Population Health, Children’s National Hospital

“The children I care for that attempt suicide by taking pills or trying to hang themselves, those kids I can help. The ones who attempt suicide by firearm, they mostly never make it to my ER. It’s not just school shootings, community violence, and unintentional injuries that children must be protected from. In this ever-growing mental health crisis, they must also be protected from themselves and their own impulses.” Amanda Stewart, Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Children’s National Hospital

“I am committed to activism and prevention work for gun violence education/prevention. Working within psychology in SE, DC, gun violence frequently impacts my patients. I am always interested in raising awareness and supporting education opportunities around gun violence.” Emma Whitmyre, Attending Psychologist, Children’s National Hospital

“I wear orange to acknowledge and raise awareness of the gun violence pandemic plaguing our community. Our children and families are suffering from instability and insecurity created by community violence. We need to address the root causes of gun violence to create communities that promote safety, health and wellness for our children.” Tonya Vidal Kinlow, Vice President Community Engagement, Advocacy & Government Affairs, Children’s National Hospital

What gun violence prevention work are pediatric healthcare workers involved in?

 “I am an active volunteer with Moms Demand Action, our nation’s largest grassroots gun violence prevention organization. I use their Be SMART gun safety educational program to educate community members and parents of my patients about the importance of secure firearm storage.” Annie Andrews, Attending Physician, Division of Hospital Medicine, Children’s National Hospital

“I am working to support the team at Children’s National to have an institutional policy supporting the work to reduce gun violence in our community.” Nathaniel Beers, Executive Vice President, Community and Population Health, Children’s National Hospital

“I am involved in our SAFER [Safer through Advocacy, Firearm Education, and Research] team at the hospital!” Emma Whitmyre, Attending Psychologist, Children’s National Hospital

“I’m involved in the SAFER group as well as research projects aimed at lethal means restriction for children facing mental health challenges.” Ilana Lavina, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Children’s National Hospital

“I helped to bring the Hospital Violence Intervention Program to Children’s National Hospital. I am also active in community-based organizations that focus on helping our youth survive and thrive.” Tonya Vidal Kinlow, Vice President Community Engagement, Advocacy & Government Affairs, Children’s National Hospital

“Just recently some colleagues and I published this article in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education: This IS Our Lane: The Urgent Need to Train Residents to Talk About Firearm Injury Prevention for Children.” Priti Bhansali, Attending Physician & Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Hospital Medicine, Children’s National Hospital

“The DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (DCAAP) understands that violence, and its root causes – including structural poverty, racism and lack of affordable, safe housing is a public health concern. Violence of all kinds, particularly gun violence, hurts children and families. In partnership with a multidisciplinary group, the chapter is designing a Prescription for the District, a proposal which advocates for universal strategies to address community stressors so everyone can benefit and the community can thrive.” Nia Bodrick, President, DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

What can YOU do to reduce gun violence?  

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the safest home for a child is one without guns.

• If you decide to keep a gun in the home, safe gun storage save lives. If a child lives in or visits your home, safe gun storage is essential. Teaching kids about gun safety is not enough to prevent accidental injuries. Safe storage means the gun is:
  • Locked up
  • Unloaded
  • With ammunition locked up separately

Learn more about safe gun storage devices: here.

• Ask yourself or loved ones, “Is there an unlocked gun where my child plays?” Anytime your child attends a playdate, sleepover, etc. get in the habit of asking about gun safety when you discuss other aspects of safety like swimming pools, allergies, or pets.

Learn more about how to ask this important question: here.

• Find a Wear Orange event near you to join the movement to end gun violence.