AHA, others join campaign to encourage safe firearm storage to save young lives

Over 1,000 hospitals and health associations, including the AHA, have joined a national public awareness campaign launched by Northwell Health to encourage parents to ask family and friends if firearms are safely stored in their home. The campaign’s broadcast, print and digital public service messages and website highlight that access to unlocked guns can lead to death, suicide and gun violence, making it more likely that children die from guns than cancer or automobile accidents. The website provides tips on how to have a conversation with other parents about safely stored firearms and encourages parents and caregivers to normalize this conversation.

“Much like you ask the parent of your child’s friend about food allergies, or if there is a pool, you should also ask if there is a gun in the home,” said Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “Health systems, including Northwell Health, understand that gun violence is a public health crisis and one way we can all contribute to curbing the crisis is prevention. It starts by asking the question.”