INDIANAPOLIS — Gun violence is now declared a national "public health crisis."
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy made this historic announcement as more than 48,000 people a year die from guns.
Many who work to stop violence are relieved that gun violence is getting the attention it needs.
"It's killing our youth, and it's hurting everybody else and hurting mamas because their kids (are) dying every week or every day," said Jaylen Daniel, a 15-year-old who is a part of the New B.O.Y. Program. "I've been on probation for three years, and New B.O.Y., they have helped me get off that, and I'm on my way off probation."
Kareem Hines is a mentor for kids. He personally knows how gun violence impacts lives and changes families.
Now, he hopes to witness real change.
"It'll bring an increased awareness across the country in regard to what we see as an epidemic, you know, not only in the Indianapolis community but across the country — not just with our young people," Hines said.
Murthy announced on Tuesday that gun violence is a public health crisis.
"For the first time in the history of our office, I am issuing a surgeon general's advisory on firearm violence," Murthy said.
He said it is not just impacting kids, but adults as well.
"Fifty-four percent of adults in America report that they or a family member have experienced a firearm-related incident," Murthy said.
Here in Indianapolis, police say they are using their resources to curb violent crime.
"If you find yourself in the conflict, take a breath, walk away. Things don't have to be solved right then and there. You can go back to a conflict later, but we encourage you to step away," IMPD Ofc. Amanda Hibschman said.
For Daniel, he said to think first.
"Five seconds of your life, shooting someone or killing somebody, that could put you in jail the rest of your life," Daniel said.