Preventing Firearm-Related Suicides in Youth with Safe Storage Programs
Innovative safe firearm storage programs are helping pediatricians and communities prevent youth suicides and injuries through education, screening, and safe storage solutions.
Recent research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference highlights the importance of safe firearm storage in reducing both unintentional injuries and suicides among children and adolescents. The study discusses the 'Store it Safe' program, initiated in Ohio in 2015, which aims to train healthcare providers to screen for depression and suicidality, promote discussions about lethal means, distribute firearm lock boxes, and connect families with safety resources. This collaborative effort involves firearm organizations and healthcare providers to create safer environments for young people.
The program has shown promising results, engaging around 130,000 Ohio residents and screening 14,000 adolescents for depression and suicidal thoughts. Over 3,500 firearm lock boxes were distributed to families, contributing to safer storage practices. Importantly, the rates of suicidality screening by healthcare providers increased significantly from 15% to 77%, and discussions about lethal means restriction during youth visits rose from 17% to 76%. These improvements demonstrate the impact of targeted education and partnership efforts.
According to Sarah Denny, MD, FAAP, the research author and medical director of 'Store it Safe,' such initiatives support families, empower healthcare providers, and foster community partnerships to prevent firearm injuries and deaths. The program's success has encouraged expansion efforts, including implementation in Indiana and recognition of two Ohio communities as 'Store It Safe' communities, with plans for further dissemination.
Overall, this program provides a scalable model for healthcare and community leaders to collaborate in firearm injury prevention, emphasizing that safe storage is a critical step in protecting youth from gun-related tragedies.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-safe-gun-storage-pediatricians-suicide.html
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