Dr. Ashley Williams-Hogue, a trauma surgeon at USA Health University Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, has welcomed the U.S. Surgeon General’s declaration of gun violence as a public health crisis. In her daily work, she sees firsthand how gun violence can destroy lives. She views it as a disease that affects not only individuals but also communities and the medical community as a whole.
Each year, Dr. Williams-Hogue treats thousands of patients, many of whom are victims of gunshot wounds. She shared that about 25% of her patients come in with gunshot wounds, and they have a 40% chance of returning to the hospital with another wound. Furthermore, 20% of those subsequent injuries are fatal.
Dr. Williams-Hogue has been advocating for solutions to this problem and recently met with medical professionals at the White House to discuss the role of the trauma system in fighting gun violence and what can be done to make a difference.
During the meeting, Dr. Williams-Hogue emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing this issue. She believes that both national and local efforts are needed to combat gun violence effectively.
The conversation revolved around the role of healthcare providers in preventing gun violence and how they can advocate for changes in policies that address this issue.
Dr. Williams-Hogue is committed to working towards sustainable change in her community of Mobile by advocating for policy changes that will reduce gun violence and improve public health outcomes for all individuals.
She believes that there is a collective responsibility to take action on this issue, and she is determined to work towards solutions at both the national and local levels.
