The Silent Epidemic of Gun Injuries Challenges and Opportunities for Treating and Preventing Gun Injuries

Gun injuries are a social and public health phenomenon that has profound consequences on victims, their social network, and neighborhood. Deaths resulting from gun violence represent just one piece of this puzzle while injuries (visible and invisible) make up a considerable other part. Solving such a large and multi-faceted public health issue is an arduous task. The Silent Epidemic of Gun Injuries explains the effects of injuries from gun violence in the United States. Through case studies and statistics, Melvin Delgado explores the physical and emotional effects of gun injuries as well as their social, cultural, and economic impact on communities. Further, he explains how communities and social work professionals can respond to the epidemic of gun injuries.

Melvin Delgado, PhD, is Professor of Social Work at Boston University School of Social Work where he previously served as Chair of the Department of Macro Practice. He has focused his professional and academic career on developing urban-based outreach, research, and service-delivery models stressing participatory democratic principles. His work tackles a variety of social issues, and he has published numerous articles and 30 books on topics surrounding urban community practice. He is currently the Series Editor for Social Justice and Youth Community Practice (Oxford University Press).