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New Analysis: Alaska has among highest rates of nonfatal firearm injuries

December 8, 2020

Yesterday, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund released new research on the extensive toll of nonfatal shootings in the U.S. and Alaska, drawing on hospital records to estimate the daily average of nonfatal shootings and highlight the disproportionate share shouldered by adolescents and young adults, particularly males.

While rates of nonfatal firearm injury vary tremendously across the country, in Alaska, there are 44.9 nonfatal firearm injuries per 100,000 people — among the highest in the country. 

Additional national findings include: 

  • An estimated 84,776 people—more than 230 people each day—were shot and wounded by firearms in the U.S. in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available. This is more than double the daily toll of fatal gun deaths.
  • 87 percent of those who visit a hospital for a gunshot wound are men or boys.
  • Though making up just a small slice of the U.S. population, 15- to 24-year-olds comprise 37 percent of all hospital-treated gunshot wound victims.
  • Black people, with a rate of 113.8 nonfatal injuries per 100,000 people, have the highest rate of nonfatal gun injuries over 10 times higher than white people. The Latino and Latina rate of nonfatal gun injuries is double that of white people.

Alaska has the highest rate of gun deaths in the U.S. In the last decade, gun deaths in Alaska have increased 41 percent, compared to an 18 percent increase nationwide. As lawmakers begin their 2021 legislative sessions, they should focus on gun violence prevention — particularly investing in those at greatest risk through enacting policies that reduce gun violence, including extreme risk laws and secure storage laws. 

More information about the rates of nonfatal firearm injuries here. More information on gun violence in Alaska is available hereTo speak with a policy expert, gun violence survivor, Moms Demand Action and/or Students Demand Action volunteer, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

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