The Houston Health Department (HHD) tracks firearm injuries as part of the city’s proactive, public health approach to preventing harm. Initiated through a budget amendment introduced by Council Member Abbie Kamin, the dashboard is the first tool in the nation to integrate Level I trauma center clinical data with emergency response systems and other citywide sources—offering the most comprehensive picture of firearm injuries in any American city.  

The dashboard brings together data from:  

• Clinical Data: Level I trauma centers; Emergency department visits (via syndromic surveillance)
• First Responder Data: EMS/911 calls for pre-hospital transport; Police/Sheriff-reported non-fatal injuries
• Outcome Data: Death (mortality) records

By combining clinical, public safety, and mortality data, the dashboard reveals critical trends that traditional crime statistics overlook. Specifically, it exposes the preventable tragedy of unintentional firearm injuries—which account for roughly one in five trauma-treated injuries and disproportionately affect children and young adults. This unified view highlights who is most vulnerable, where injuries occur, and how patterns differ across assault, self-harm, and accidental shootings.

Together, these data sources provide a comprehensive view of firearm injury as a major public health concern in Houston. The dashboard is an evidence-based tool that identifies vulnerable populations, distinguishes intent (assault, self-harm, accidental), and allows violence prevention initiatives to develop highly targeted, effective strategies to reduce harm. 

Dashboard Update Schedule: The Houston Firearm Injuries Dashboard is updated quarterly in January, April, July, and October.

The HHD extends its gratitude to the partners whose data and collaboration make this tool possible: Council Member Abbie Kamin, Houston Fire Department, Houston Police Department, Harris County Medical Examiner Office, UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, Harris Health System/Ben Taub Hospital, Memorial Hermann Health System, and Texas Children’s Hospital.