The widespread incidence of gun violence impacts the well-being of us all, especially our children. In Connecticut, gun violence claims a life approximately every other day.
firearm
violence:
everyone experiences its impact
Gun Violence Is a Public Health Crisis
Firearm violence harms our communities, and puts everyone’s health and well-being at risk. Every other day someone in Connecticut is killed due to gun violence. In our state, guns are the second leading cause of traumatic death (PDF) (next to motor vehicle traffic deaths) for youth under 18 years of age. In the U.S., more than 44,400 people died from firearm-related injuries in 2024.
The magnitude of this crisis demands a public health approach. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is committed to preventing and reducing firearm-involved injury and death. DPH addresses the conditions and circumstances that impact community violence—and supports organizations that are making a difference.
$1.2B
per year
Economic cost of gun violence in Connecticut, including costs associated with healthcare, law enforcement, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In 2023, there was a near
equal amount
of firearm homicides and suicides in connecticut
Guns are the
2nd
leading cause of death (next to motor vehicle traffic deaths) for youth less than 18 years of age in Connecticut
Data Source: Connecticut Violent Death Report System (2019-2023) Violent Deaths: Age Adjusted Rates
Help Is Available
There are many organizations in Connecticut focused on preventing gun violence and supporting people and communities who have been impacted by gun violence.
