Texas medicine
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Comparative Study
Firearm mortality in Texas, 1976-1985: how far is Fort Smith?
Firearm injuries significantly affect mortality rates in many states throughout the United States. We reviewed all deaths due to injuries in all state for 1985 to determine deaths from firearm injury in proportion to deaths from all injuries in each state. We then compared Texas data with those of other states. ⋯ Firearms accounted for 11% of the total years of productive life lost. The economic cost of firearm deaths in Texas was estimated to be $40.7 billion per year. Strategies for preventing these deaths are discussed.