June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month

The rise in gun sales over the last several years has been staggering, particularly when we consider that over half of firearm owners do not store all their firearms securely. More than 4.6 million children now live in homes where at least one firearm is loaded and unlocked, putting them at increased risk for suicide and unintentional death and injury. Guns are now the leading cause of death for children ages zero to 19 years old. Read more facts and statistics about children and gun violence here.

As pediatric healthcare providers, we can make a difference. Through the Center for Violence Prevention (CVP)’s Gun Safety Program, CHOP providers have begun distributing gun locking devices and educating families around safe firearm storage in our Primary Care Centers and Emergency Departments. In addition, we provide this resource in communities where our patients live.

?The Gun Safety Community Education Program, a partnership between CVP and the Office of Community Impact, has trained over 100 employees who donate their time to participate in community events where they provide gun safety education and distribute free gun locks.

?Employees have volunteered at various community events including Back to School fairs, Anti-Violence Community activities, MLK Day of Service celebrations, and more. Since the start of the program, employees have distributed over 1,700-gun locks to community members.

Hannah Derwick, Clinical Research Study Lead, is one of our dedicated volunteers. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “While tabling as a gun safety volunteer, I find that families are very grateful for the education provided and the gun locks that they could use or give to a family member.”

Dorothy Novick, MD, Attending Physician and Program Leader, also shares, "This program could not exist without the passion and determination of our amazing volunteers! Thank you to every single person who spends time and energy talking to community members about the importance of safe firearm storage. Every lock they distribute has the potential to save lives."

Our employees significantly impact our local communities across CHOP's service area by addressing Community Violence, one of the priority health needs identified in the Regional Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

As we acknowledge Wear Orange Weekend June 7 to 9 and National Gun Violence Awareness Day this past Friday, June 7, we want to thank our employee volunteers who educate our communities about gun safety.

Read more about CHOP’s expansive efforts to establish CHOP as the first institution in the Philadelphia region to formally integrate gun safety across its hospital system in this recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer.?