The HAVI Responds to Removal of Surgeon General’s Gun Violence Public Health Advisory

March 18, 2025 — The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI), an organization committed to building violence intervention programs, issued the following statement in response to removing the Surgeon General’s Gun Violence Public Health Advisory by the Department of Health & Human Services: 

“In the midst of a gun violence epidemic, The HAVI is deeply disappointed by the administration's decision to remove former Surgeon General Murthy’s Advisory declaring Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis in America. Gun violence remains one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States, claiming over 45,000 lives each year and is the leading cause of death for children. By failing to acknowledge gun violence as a public health crisis, we will lose momentum on critical bipartisan efforts like community violence intervention (CVI) that are proven to reduce gun-related injuries and fatalities.  

Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive, evidence-based approach—one that prioritizes investment in community-driven violence intervention programs, hospital-based intervention strategies, and policies that prevent firearm-related harm before it occurs. As we continue our work, we urge policymakers to recognize the reality of this crisis and take bold action to make a difference.”