AHA urges passage of bipartisan package to reduce gun violence

The American Hospital Association (AHA) this week voiced support for the Senate’s bipartisan framework to help reduce gun violence in communities, which AONL also endorses. “This bipartisan proposal includes some important provisions that would strengthen our country’s ability to combat violence, said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “Importantly, it makes critical investments in behavioral health care, including funding for school safety resources, school-based supportive services and expanded access to telehealth for mental and behavioral health services. To advance the health of America, we urge swift passage of this bipartisan package this work period.” Separately, Paul Hofmann, DrPH, president of the Hofmann Healthcare Group in Moraga, Calif., argued last week that health care organizations need effective action plans to reduce gun violence and outlined three steps they can use to create them. (AHA News article, 6/14/22)