Richard F. Corlin

Richard F. Corlin is president of the American Medical Association (AMA). In the following viewpoint, which was excerpted from a speech delivered at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association on June 20, 2001, Corlin argues that increasing rates of gun violence in the United States have become a serious health crisis. He contends that gun violence constitutes an epidemic because it kills thousands of Americans each year and spreads like a disease. He urges the American Medical Association to respond to this epidemic in the same manner that it approaches other serious diseases—with sound research, education, and cooperation with other health and government agencies.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Corlin, how many Americans died by gunfire in 1998?
2. How many children does gunfire kill...