WHEREAS, Every day, 15 children and adolescents die in gun-related homicides, suicides, and accidents; and
WHEREAS, Firearms are the second leading cause of death (after motor vehicle injury fatalities) for children 10-19 years of age; and
WHEREAS, The total firearm death rate among teenagers 15-19 years of age increased 77% from 1985 through 1990; and
WHEREAS, Hospital emergency departments treat four firearm injured children for every child killed by gunfire. In Rhode Island, in 1994, there were a total of 49 deaths related to firearms; and
WHEREAS, Education is the key to preventing and reducing firearm injury and death, especially among our young people; and
WHEREAS, March 30 was the anniversary of the shooting of President Reagan and his press secretary, James Brady, and April 4 is the anniversary of the shooting and death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Handgun Control, Inc., in cooperation with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, established Gun Violence Prevention Week from March 30 to April 4 to raise public awareness concerning the gun violence that is plaguing our children and to spread the message that gun violence is preventable; and
WHEREAS, The theme for "Gun Violence Prevention Week 1996" is empowering our nation's children to lead the way toward a society free of gun violence; and
WHEREAS, Events around the country are being organized for kids such as art and essay contests, youth seminars on gun violence, children's day at state legislatures, tree planting and memorial services for youth victims; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby recognizes March 30--April 4 as "Gun Violence Prevention Week 1996", and urges public awareness of the problems and solutions to gun violence, especially among our youth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Handgun Control, Inc.
