Newswise — (Chicago – June 20, 2016) James A. Tacci, MD, JD, President of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), issued the following statement today regarding gun violence as a growing public health issue:

“The epidemic of gun violence in America has gone on too long and has become an urgent public health crisis. The latest tragedy in Orlando, Florida, underscores the urgency of action.”

“ACOEM joins with the American Medical Association and other leading physician organizations in calling for a comprehensive public health response to our national gun violence crisis. In the past, ACOEM has supported efforts to lift the Congressional ban on gun violence research by the CDC, and to enhance the delivery of mental health services in order to identify and treat persons likely to commit acts of violence. Today, we again call upon the nation’s lawmakers to adopt these and other measures to address gun violence.”

“In the wake of the worst mass shooting in American history and with more than 6,000 gun deaths already reported in 2016, it is time to act.”

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About ACOEMThe American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) represents more than 4,000 physicians specializing in occupational and environmental medicine. Founded in 1916, ACOEM is the nation’s largest medical society dedicated to promoting the health of workers through preventive medicine, clinical care, disability management, research, and education. For more information, visit www.acoem.org.