The Handgun Epidemic Lowering Plan (HELP) Network 's members consist of over 120 medical and allied organizations, including AMA, ACEP, AAP, etc. HELP is leading a campaign to build permanent, government support for a nation-wide uniform reporting system for firearm injuries, akin to the systems now in place for other leading causes of death and disability.
The campaign has several components:
· Development of common messages and materials for use by HELP members in education of their members, the media, and policy makers; · Promotion of awareness among members, the media, and policy makers of the current uniform firearm fatality reporting system being piloted by sites around the country under the coordination of the Harvard Injury Control Research Center and the Medical College of Wisconsin. · Identification of national and state level opportunities to build support and infrastructure for a permanent nation-wide reporting system; and · Communication among HELP members concerning media, policy, and other initiatives related to gun injury tracking.
HELP's leadership is working with leadership from the piloted reporting system and HELP member organizatons to assure that the campaign accurately reflects the relevant scientific and policy work. The campaign is being guided by a Communication Advisory Group, which includes communication specialists from large HELP member organizations; and by a Policy Advisory Group, which includes policy specialists from similar organizations. Campaign success will be assessed in both process (information distribution) and outcome (program implementation and funding) terms.
Materials and a report on progress will be available at the 2000 APHA meeting.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1. articulate the current strategy of a coalition of medical societies and public health advocacy organizations to establish a national firearm injury surveillance system, 2. Identify ways in which they and their professional organizations could become involved in promoting the establishment of a national system
Keywords: Firearms, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.