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Gun Safety Program

(315) 464-8668

Many people transported to the hospital with accidental gunshot wounds could have been spared pain, suffering, and in some cases death if gun safety had been practiced. Recognizing accidental shootings as a major public health issue, University Hospital supports two programs designed to promote the safe handling of firearms.

Pediatric residents selected handgun safety as a project under the auspices of the COAT (Community Oriented Advocacy Training) program."Lock 'em for Life," is a multimedia public education campaign to encourage gun owners to keep a lock on their firearms. Posters are made available to local pediatric practices for distribution to families with young children.

The "Gun Safety. It's No Accident" campaign is directed at both children and adults. Members of the Emergency Nurses Association from University Hospital and other local hospitals make presentations in area schools and to other groups of youngsters. The nurses may be accompanied by a local law enforcement officer and an "on air" personality from WIXT-Channel 9 television.

The presentation promotes the four steps to gun safety

1. Stop.
2. Don't touch.
3. Run away.
4. Tell a grown up.

The children take home a coloring book and gun safety tips to share with their families.