Firearm death rates in the United States are at near-record levels, and firearm injury recently surpassed car crashes to become the leading cause of death of U.S. youth. We are only just beginning to quantify the ripple effect of these shootings. But there is hope being built, often in unexpected ways, in communities across the country. In this lecture will summarize recent data about trends in firearm injury; discuss the public health approach to reducing firearm injury and its consequences; and - most importantly - equip listeners to build safer, more connected communities.