Firearm safety

Firearm injury is a complex public health issue that affects hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. In 2007, over 31,000 people in the United States died as a result of firearms. The majority of these deaths were suicides and homicides. Of the 31,224 deaths attributed to firearms in 2007, 56% were suicides and 40% were homicides.
... CDC National Vital Statistics System, April 2011

In Washington State, from 2005 to 2009:

• 2,763 residents died from a firearm injury, including 192 youths and children ages 19 and younger.
  ...Washington State Dept. of Health, Fatal Injury Data Tables, April 2011
  
  
• 1,483 residents were hospitalized for nonfatal firearm injuries, including 334 youths and children ages 19 and younger.
  ..Washington State Dept. of Health, Nonfatal Injury Data Tables, April 2011

In King County, from 2005 to 2009:

• 639 residents died from a firearm-related injury, including 46 youth and children ages 19 and younger.
  ...Washington State Dept. of Health, Fatal Injury Data Tables, April 2011
  
  
• An additional 517 residents were hospitalized for nonfatal firearm injuries, including 126 youth and children ages 19 and younger.
  ..Washington State Dept. of Health, Nonfatal Injury Data Tables, April 2011

Safe storage of firearms:

Firearm-related injuries and fatalities can be prevented. Safe firearm storage is an important step for firearm-related injury prevention and a widely recognized practice to keep homes safe. LOK-IT-UP raises awareness about the importance of safe firearm storage for family and community safety.

In conjunction with the LOK-IT-UP campaign, Public Health – Seattle & King County has created a training module to teach health care providers how to speak to patients about safe storage. For a copy of the module or for more information, please contact us at 206-263-8160.