Testifiers detail negative health, economic impacts of gun violence in PA

Lawmakers examine action, support needed in communities

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    August 12, 2024 | 3:29 PM

DOWNINGTOWN, Aug 12 – Gun violence intervention took center stage at Monday’s House Majority Policy Committee hearing as members gathered testimony to understand what more can be done to reduce gun violence in Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania tracks gun violence from a crime perspective, but we need to include more data to fully grasp and understand the full impact it has on our communities,” said Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester), co-host of the hearing. “Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children in our country. When our children are dying, we have a responsibility to find out why and what we can do to stop it.”

Gun violence in Pennsylvania has decreased in the past year, according to testifiers. Ceasefire PA pointed to the CDC’s WONDER database that shows gun homicides dropped 17% across the commonwealth in 2023. During the first four months of this year, Pennsylvania saw a 23% drop compared to last year.

“We have to recognize that the City of Philadelphia saw the largest decrease in gun violence of all major cities across the country during the beginning of 2024. But there’s always more work to be done,” said Rep. Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.), SAFE Caucus Chairman and hearing co-host. “Just one life lost to gun violence is one too many. That’s why we’ll continue to pursue policies that keep our communities safe.”

Testifiers detailed the economic impacts of gun violence, which costs Pennsylvania taxpayers $470 million annually. Hospitalization for a survivor of gun violence can cost at least $35,000, a figure that does not including follow-up care.

The health impacts of firearm violence are also vast, testifiers pointed out Monday. People that live in neighborhoods impacted by gun violence are subject to higher rates of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder with poorer mental health and sleep. On top of that, gun violence disproportionately impacts Black children and adolescents.

“Multiple testifiers detailed the reason they need more data, pointing out communities need to invest in public safety, but our communities need to know where to re-invest in order to offset the negative health and economic impacts we are experiencing,” said Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County.  

Monday’s policy hearing, co-hosted by the SAFE Caucus, featured testimony from Adam Garber, Executive Director of Ceasefire PA; Mary Kenah, Legal Counsel for Everytown for Gun Safety; Deion Sumpter, Director of the Group Violence Intervention program in Philadelphia; Dr. Vivek Ashok, Affiliate Trainee for the CHOP PolicyLab; and Scott Bohn, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

Information about this and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy.