John,

North Carolinians Against Gun Violence today released a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data finding that every day nearly 4 North Carolinians lose their life to firearm violence. The study found that 1,416 North Carolinians were killed by gun violence in 2018.

Firearm deaths and injuries in North Carolina constitute a clear - and preventable - public health crisis. Can you donate to educate the public and lawmakers about the problem and solutions?

NCGV’s study of the 2018 CDC data, available online, also found that: 

• North Carolina ranked 7th nationally by number of firearm-related deaths, and 24th by firearm mortality rate (13.26 deaths per 100,000 people).

• Nearly 2 in every 3 N.C. firearm deaths were suicides. The number of North Carolina children and youth who take their own life with a gun doubled from 2008 to 2018. Overall suicide rates in this group increased by 91%.

• North Carolina ranked 11th in the U.S. by number of firearm homicides (489 homicides), and 22nd by firearm homicide rate (4.88 homicides per 100,000).

The CDC data provide a fuller understanding of the impact of firearm violence in North Carolina and the sad truth is in the data: we are killing and maiming each other at astonishingly high rates. However, as we also discuss in the report, there are research-based state and local solutions with steps we can take right away in 2021 if we have the courage to do so.

We can’t stand by and let this happen. We must educate and advocate for evidence-based solutions. Please invest in NCGV to address the high rates of firearm violence throughout our state. 

We can only do this important work with your help.

Thank you,
Sara Smith 
Lead author 
Safe NC Report 

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