Los Angeles County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis are proposing a plan to distribute free gun locks at county hospitals and medical campuses in an effort to prevent gun-related injuries.
As a harm reduction strategy, gun locks can potentially reduce gun violence, particularly in homes with children. Supervisor Hahn pointed out that studies indicate individuals are more willing to use gun locks if provided by health professionals. Pew Research Center data shows that 64% of US gun owners don't store their firearms in a locked place, concerningly, and 56% leave their guns loaded according to a Los Angeles County media release.
Supervisor Solis underscored the importance of secure firearm storage, saying, "If guns are not safely stored or locked, it can to lead devastating and fatal consequences. Gun owners may assume that their families know how to handle a gun, but if it’s not safely stored or locked, serious injuries or death may result." In addition, hospitals, as facilities where gun incident victims often find themselves, present a perfect venue to promote proper gun security.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Hahn and Solis to look into providing free gun locks in county hospitals. Hospitals nationally have already implemented this, following research proving its efficacy. Margot Bennett, Executive Director of Women Against Gun Violence, emphasized the importance of secure firearm storage and its role in preventing suicide, school shootings, and accidental shootings.
The Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention and the Department of Health Services will have to produce a written report within 45 days. The report will detail the number of county hospitals and medical campuses, the needed quantity of locks, and an implementation plan. The report will also lay out a timeline for acquiring the locks, creating educational campaigns, identifying distribution strategies, and determining the resources necessary to purchase and supply gun safety cable locks, gun safes, and lock boxes.
