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VOICE Program 2019

In 2019, we initiated the VOICE Program with the following objectives in mind:

  1. To stratify demographics at risk in gun-related homicides
  2. Determine circumstances that raise the risk of gun-related homicides
  3. Investigate health risk factors related to gun-related homicides

We extrapolated data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) from the years 2013-2017 regarding mortality across gun-related homicides, suicides, homicide-suicide, and other gun-related injuries.  From this research, we analyzed the following:

  • The majority of gun violence deaths were homicides (54%, N=1,317), followed by suicides (37.7%, N=920)​
  • In NJ, Essex and Camden counties had the highest rates of gun homicide​
  • The most common site of death was at home (45.6%) and in the street (29.8%)​
  • The majority of injured individuals were treated at the ER (37%), by EMS (33.2%), and/or in hospital inpatient care (9.3%)​
  • 2/5 of injured individuals died at the hospital (41.3%)​
  • The most common cause of death related to gunshot wounds was by injury to the head (48%), followed by the thorax (28.6%) and abdomen (9.3%)
  • More than one 1/3 of deaths were related to suicide (37.7%) ​
  • 1/4 of deaths was related to youth violence (ages 10-24) (24.1%) and were the result of homicides (N=485)​
  • More than 1/10 of deaths were IPV-related incidents (11.8%). ​
  • Most of the homicide-suicide incidents were caused by IPV (78.1%).​
  • More than 1/10 of deaths (13.1%) were associated with crime (drug dealing, robbery, gang, sexual assault, etc.) 
  • Mortality varied by demographics​​
  • Most homicide-suicides were associated with a recent incidence of abuse (78.9%) ​
  • Suicide was associated with mental health issues (47.7%)

​​Looking forward, there is an urgent need to screen patients for firearms at home similar to clinical guidelines with suicidal ideation, IPV, and youth violence.  There is also a need to train healthcare professionals regarding patient gun safety and preventing gun violence in the community.