NCJ Number
158511
Journal
Wisconsin Medical Journal Dated: (October 1995) Pages: 572-584
Date Published
1995
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report examines firearm morbidity and mortality in Milwaukee County (Wis.); individual, environmental, and firearm characteristics that contribute to firearm injuries; the application of public health strategies to address the problem of firearm injuries; and ways to build a comprehensive approach to this problem.
Abstract
One hundred sixty-seven deaths by firearms occurred in Milwaukee County between 1990 and 1993. Sixty-six percent were firearms homicides, 33 percent were suicides, and 1 percent were undetermined. Males ages 70-79 have the highest suicide rates in the county. The overall suicide rate among white teenagers in the county is declining, while the rate among minority teenagers is increasing. Eighty-one percent of the firearm homicides in the county occurred in the city of Milwaukee. Firearm homicides most often occurred in the context of an argument by people who knew each other and were drinking alcohol or using drugs. Unintentional firearm deaths represented a small percentage of firearm deaths. Approximately seven injuries are estimated to occur for each deaths. Many of these injuries involve some degree of paralysis due to spinal cord injuries. Treating firearms injuries is expensive. A comprehensive approach to reduce firearm-related injuries and deaths should include violence prevention curricula, suicide prevention programs, community handgun initiatives, and State legislation. Figures, table, and 13 references