Talking about “firearm injury” and “gun violence”: Words matter

“Firearm injury” is a term used within academic and public health publications and programs because of the impression that it is more neutral and encompasses all types of injury, but it may be less well understood by the general public. These differences in terminology have implications for public health interventions, patient care, and participation in research because the message—and messenger—helps shape narratives about what firearm injury is, who is affected, and what can or should change.