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Violence is a serious public health problem in the United States says the Center for Disease Control (CDC). It is a public health problem that affects infants to the elderly; people in all stages of life. In 2009, 16,800 people were victims of homicide and almost 37,000 took their own life. Those who survive violence are often left with permanent physical and emotional scars that can affect their quality of life forever. Violence erodes communities by generating fear and chaos, by negatively affecting school environments, by reducing individual productivity and by decreasing property values and affecting the economy. Violence destroys lives. The rate of U.S. violent crime went up last year for the first time in nearly two decades due to a jump in assaults. And, it is believed, almost half of violent crime goes unreported. (US Justice Dept.) Homicide continues to be the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24 and the leading cause of death for African American youth. In 2010, more than 700,000 youth, ages 10-24, were treated in emergency departments for violent incidents. According to a 2010 survey of 15 Connecticut service providers, 1,125 victims of domestic violence were served in one 24-hour period. Of those, 294 needed emergency shelter. We continue to read about individuals who commit acts of violence against the innocent without provocation. Violence in our society appears to have become an acceptable way of solving problems and being an innocent does not keep you safe. Violence has become so common that we no longer pay attention to it; maybe believing we are safe and that violence happens somewhere else. But take a look at what happens in our lives daily. For example: Video games - can anything be more violent? Television- many weekly shows, crime shows especially, push the limit with no holds barred and lets see how far we can push the limits attitude. Over the years, TV has become more violent, extreme, bloody, and sadistic. Do we know if producers are providing the shows and people watch, or are watchers demanding the shows that are produced? Each season seems to top the violence of the season before. Movies follow the same prescription. It seems noone can tell a good story without blood, gore and cruelty. Even our commercials show disrespect for people, destruction of property, lying, cheating, car crashes, and meanness under the guise of humor. This is called entertainment! This is what we and our children see, hear and experience daily with little to counteract it. We have become so immune to the violence around us that we feel little for anothers pain, or hardship, or death. Sadly, our children learn only what they experience. If they are surrounded by violence, violence becomes a part of their lives. Since violence is a public health problem, we must adopt a public health solution. A public health solution entails the coming together and collaboration of social services organizations, schools, churches, businesses, local governments, police, civic organizations, etc. When violence erodes communities then communities must work together to reduce and overcome violence. Solving the problem is not the other persons responsibility. It is everyones responsibility.

Volume 7 Issue 11

November 2012

Public Health Solution to Combat Violence

What can we do? 1. Provide alternatives and opportunities for all people, especially in education and job training; 2. foster positive learning experiences; 3. pay attention to family, friends and neighbors and offer help if necessary; 4. be respectful and teach respect for people, property and all living things; 5. teach coping skills and problem solving and how to make decisions; 6. show empathy and compassion and patience. The Road Map for Community Action: Define the problem Identify risk and protective factors Develop and test prevention strategies Assure widespread adoption. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

More on Medical Marijuana

One of the biggest points of contention about marijuana is whether or not it can be considered medicine. Kevin Sabet, Consultant and Assistant Professor, University of Florida says that while smoked crude marijuana is not medicine, marijuana does have medicinal properties found in its individual components. These components can be isolated and delivered in a safe and effective way. Many of these components are being researched. Some have already been approved as medicines in the U.S. Whether or not marijuana is a medicine should be decided by research and studies conducted by qualified researchers. Politicians and lay people should not have the ability to make the decision based on hearsay and personal desire.

The FDA says the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies estimates less than 3% of online pharmacies meet state and federal laws. According to the national Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2011 more than six million Americans used prescription drugs non- medically in the past month. (drugfree.org. Oct.) The DEA collected a total of half a million pounds of unused prescription medications during its drive Sept 29th. Two million pounds of medication have been collected over five national Prescription Drug Take-Back Days. 2011 Monitoring the Future data: 11.4% of twelfth grade students used synthetic marijuana in 2010. The second most commonly used illicit drug among high school seniors. Illegal drug use has declined about 30 % since 1979. About 23% of violent crimes and property crimes are committed by people who tested positive for at least 1 of 10 illegal drugs. Marijuana was the most common drug found among those arrested.

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