Reduction of firearm-related violence through firearm safety counseling. The role of family physicians.

The United States has a greater percentage of households with guns and more acts of violence than any other country in the western world. Suicide is the nation's eighth leading cause of deaths in the United States, of which 60% are caused by firearms. Homicide is the 11th leading cause of deaths among Americans, of which 70% are caused by firearms. Another 1400 deaths each year are caused by unintentional firearm-related injuries. Most of these deaths can, in part, be attributed to inappropriate behaviors (eg, keeping a loaded and inadequately secured firearm in the home). As respected professionals in the community, family physicians have a unique opportunity to promote behaviors in patients that reduce the risk of firearm-related injuries in patients and their families.