Gun violence is an urgent public health crisis in Arkansas. Every day, people in our state are dying from gun violence-related injuries and deaths. In 2020, Arkansas experienced a total of 531 firearm deaths, which is a rate of 12.5 per 100,000 people. These numbers are especially concerning when we consider the fact that Arkansas ranks third in the nation for the number of firearms owned per capita. We know that these deaths are a predictable outcome of our country’s lack of political will to make a change and under-investment in prevention approaches that work. Through a public health approach that focuses on drawing from evidence and addressing the factors that increase or decrease the risk of gun violence, we can save lives.
As gun violence has taken a toll on Arkansas communities and families our politicians have done little to prevent it. Tom Cotton and John Boozman voted against the Federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, a bill that will require background checks for all gun purchases and will increase funding for research into gun violence prevention.
It's a good thing our U.S. Senators and Representatives were in the minority voting block and the bill passed. Arkansas has since been awarded over $3 million by the U.S. Justice Department to help fund state crisis intervention court proceedings, the creation of extreme risk protection order (ERPO) programs, and related gun violence reduction initiatives. THV11
The act is consequential, but it's not enough. There is more work to do.
That's why we are advocating for stronger gun safety laws in Arkansas. We seek to protect our families, our communities, and our state. We seek to save lives by supporting common-sense reforms, such as:
*background checks on all gun sales,
*reinstating the assault weapons ban,
*red-flag laws that allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others, and
*mandatory training and licensing for owners.
It's extremely important to hold the gun industry accountable and ensure there is adequate oversight over the marketing and sales of guns and ammunition.
Let's make our voices heard in Arkansas and urge our elected officials to take action to stop gun violence in our state.
*Call, email, or visit with your Senators & Representatives.
*Request local public forums.
*Write a letter to the editor.
*Interact with them on social media.
We must stand up and demand that they take steps to protect our families and communities from the scourge of gun violence.
We have got to make sure that our elected officials are held accountable and held to a high standard when it comes to gun violence prevention. If they won't protect us, then we vote them out and put people in office who will work to enact comprehensive gun safety laws. We can't be silent in the face of gun violence and must ensure that our elected officials take action to protect the people of Arkansas from this epidemic.
Let's work together to make sure our children can grow up in a safe and secure environment. Reach out to your county Democratic Party.
All in all, gun violence is a critical and preventable public health problem in Arkansas. By coming together and taking a stand, we can make a difference by staying engaged with our elected officials, advocating for stronger gun laws, and working to educate families and communities about the dangers of guns and the importance of responsible firearm ownership. Let's end gun violence and make our state a better place where everyone can feel safe and secure.
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Arkansans have dug a hole for themselves by allowing one party rule. The first step in making change is diversifying our electorate. Young people need to become active in the Democrat Party or at least an Independent Part because the Republican supermajority will not lift a finger on this issue. I am guilty of not doing enough by not being involved.