Rates of firearm injury and mortality are far higher in the United
States compared to other high-income nations. Patterns of firearm injury
have complex causal pathways; different social contexts may be
differentially affected by firearm legislation. In the context of the
diversity of social, political, and legal approaches at the state level, we
suggest the application of the social ecological model as a conceptual
public health framework to guide future policy interventions in the
U.S.