Children shouldn’t have to go to school thinking about what item in their classroom would be the most effective way to block the door. They shouldn’t have to wonder what object is solid enough to break a window or if they would break any bones jumping from a two-story window. Children are being robbed of their education, peace of mind, and childhood.

The number of children who have been a victim of gun violence continues to rise. Let’s be clear: no child deserves to be a victim of gun violence, especially in a school environment, and it’s past time we do something about it. 

As the president and CEO of Children’s Minnesota, I’ve always been passionate about advancing health equity. While health disparities have been a problem for years, George Floyd’s murder catalyzed a national uprising for racial justice and equity, motivating us to double down on the work we had already been doing to be a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We listened to our grieving community and improved ourselves.

Another school shooting occurred in Georgia in the beginning of September. As a father, a pediatric emergency room doctor and the CEO of Children’s Minnesota, each one of these tragedies is deeply personal.  

Gun violence deaths among children are preventable if we begin to act. Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children. I recently shared some thoughts with KTTC in Rochester, Minnesota on why people across the aisles should care, and what we can do next.