Children who survive shootings endure significant health obstacles and financial burdens, according to a new study published in Health Affairs. The research highlights the long-term effects of gun violence on young survivors and their families, shedding light on the largely overlooked population of shooting survivors.

The study, conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School, analyzed data from child and adolescent shooting survivors aged 19 and younger. It discovered that in the year following the shooting, these survivors were more than twice as likely as their peers to experience a pain disorder. They were also found to be 68% more likely to receive a psychiatric diagnosis and 144% more likely to develop a substance use disorder.

Gun violence remains a pressing issue in the United States, with firearm injuries being the leading cause of death for individuals aged 1 to 19 in 2020 and 2021, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shockingly, over 48,000 Americans of all ages died as a result of firearm-related incidents in 2022, while an average of 85,000 Americans survive firearm injuries each year.

The financial implications of being shot are also staggering. The study revealed that being shot added an average of $35,000 to the healthcare costs of each young survivor compared to their non-injured counterparts. The severity of the injury directly correlated with the extent of medical complications and associated costs.

However, it's not just the physical and financial toll that gunshot survivors endure. The study also found that psychiatric disorders were 30% more common among parents of gun-injured children. Consequently, these parents sought mental health visits 75% more frequently than other mothers.

Dr. Megan Ranney, dean of the Yale School of Public Health, emphasized the need for support for both survivors and their families, stating, "We are now a nation of survivors, and we have an unmet obligation to help families and communities heal, both physically and emotionally."

Access to specialized care is another huge challenge faced by shooting survivors and their families. Many survivors require ongoing care from physical therapists, occupational therapists, and prosthetic makers. However, for rural residents, the need to travel long distances to access these specialized services poses additional hardships. Even in major cities, the best-equipped hospitals for treating shooting survivors may be out of reach for families reliant on public transportation.

The study is one of the first to examine the broader impact of a child's shooting on their entire family, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support networks. Dr. Jessica Beard, a trauma surgeon at Temple University Hospital, emphasized the advancements made in treating gunshot victims but acknowledged that ongoing care is essential for survivors.

Addressing the psychological trauma resulting from child shootings is of critical importance. Negative attitudes surrounding mental illness and fear of punishment may prevent survivors from seeking the necessary help. This indicates that the psychological damage revealed by the study may be even more profound than documented.

Despite the myriad challenges they face, survivors like Oronde McClain, who was struck by a stray bullet at the age of 10, have found resilience and purpose in their experiences. McClain, now 33, co-produced a documentary titled "They Don't Care About Us, or Do They?" and is working to improve news coverage of gun violence. He is creating a directory of shooting survivors willing to share their stories, with the aim of raising awareness and providing support to those who have experienced similar traumas.

However, the overall message remains clear - survivors of gun violence are often forgotten victims who face lifelong physical, emotional, and financial burdens. It is imperative that a concerted effort is made to provide comprehensive care, support networks, and resources to help these individuals and their families navigate the difficult road to recovery.