January 13, 2025 - Lancaster, PA
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), Department of Health (DOH), and State Police joined Penn Medicine Lancaster General, and Mental Health America of Lancaster County to raise awareness of the importance of safely storing firearms to reduce the risk of firearm injuries."Storing firearms safely within the home can make a huge difference in saving lives and preventing injuries, as nearly a third of all youth firearm deaths are due to the unintentional discharge of a weapon and suicide," said Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. "We are taking measures, such as providing free gunlocks to Pennsylvania families, to help prevent tragic and avoidable injuries and deaths from unsecured firearms."Firearm-related injuries and fatalities are a public health crisis. On average, about 1,600 Pennsylvanians die from gunshot wounds each year, with 3,000 more injured. Research shows that safer gun ownership practices, like safer firearm storage, can significantly reduce firearm injuries and fatalities associated with suicide and unintentional shootings, especially among youth.Speakers in Order:Dr. Debra Bogen - Secretary, PA Dept. of HealthMike Pennington - Executive Director, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Captain Rob Brown - Commanding Officer, Troop J PA State PoliceLindsay Pringle - Manager of Community Health and Wellness, Penn Medicine Lancaster General HealthDr. Pia Fenimore - Vice Chair/Chief of Pediatrics, Penn Medicine Lancaster General HealthMegan Beyerle - Education Coordinator, Mental Health America of Lancaster County
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