Firearm deaths and injuries in New York City

Background: Firearms impact the health and safety of communities in far-reaching ways, with high social, healthcare, and judicial costs.

Methods: We calculated firearm mortality rates using NYC Health Department's Bureau of Vital Statistics data, 2000–2010. We calculated firearm injury rates using New York State's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System hospitalization data, 2000-2010. We used CDC's Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System to calculate US firearm mortality rates. We compared NYC firearm mortality rates to other US cities using CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Results: From 2000 to 2010, NYC's firearm deaths fell from 524 to 386; firearm injuries resulting in hospitalization fell from 1,264 to 999. NYC's overall firearm mortality rate is less than half the US rate (4.5 vs. 10.0 deaths per 100,000). Suicides comprise 61% of firearm deaths nationwide compared to 16% in NYC; homicides comprise 36% of firearm deaths nationwide compared to 84% in NYC. NYC's firearm homicide rate ranks 21st among the 25 most populous US cities, while NYC's firearm suicide rate ranks 25th. Still, firearms remain a major public health risk, particularly among black, young men (15-24 years) and in certain neighborhoods (East New York, Central Harlem, Crown Heights, South Bronx) where firearm death and injury rates are at least two times NYC's average.

Conclusions: Violence is the main contributor to firearm deaths and injuries in NYC, in concentrated areas. Proven, pioneering violence prevention programs are needed in neighborhoods most affected.