AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, issued the following statement about the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that has plagued our nation for too long. We applaud this bipartisan group of senators for coming together to advance meaningful commonsense policies that will take an important step forward in addressing this epidemic.
We commend the inclusion of reforms that would take steps to expand and enhance background checks, protect victims of abuse, and provide support for state crisis intervention orders, among other provisions. We also appreciate the bill’s investment in efforts to address the trauma and impact of gun violence on children, families, and communities. This includes funding for community violence interventions and programs that integrate mental and behavioral health into training for primary care clinicians, as well as measures to expand access to tele-mental health services.
The AAMC urges lawmakers to pass this bipartisan legislation and overcome the gridlock that has prevented past attempts to promote gun safety and injury prevention. Our nation’s communities are depending on it.”