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287577
Firearm deaths and injuries in New York City
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.
Learning Objectives:
Describe trends and patterns in firearm deaths and injuries in New York City (NYC). Compare NYC trends with those in other large US cities. Identify neighborhoods with increased firearm violence within NYC.
Keywords: Firearms, Youth Violence
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am currently a CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellow assigned to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Injury Surveillance and Prevention program; I have been involved in injury surveillance in this position for over six months.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.