Health

Gun Safety

Talk it Up, Lock It Up

Gun Safety Saves Lives

Gun injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults in the U.S. and they are a leading cause of death for youth in Polk County.

  • If you are a parent, there is a 1 in 3 chance your child is going to a friend’s house where firearms are present
  • 45% of firearm deaths occurred at home, in Polk County (all ages)
  • 74% of school shooters used a gun obtained at home
  • 82% of suicide victims used a gun that belonged to a family member

What Can We Do?

  1. Normalize the conversation about gun safety and safe gun storage practices. Talk to your family, friends, and parents/adults of places where your child spends time.
  2. Reduce access to guns by using safe storage practices. This reduces the risk of both self-inflicted and accidental gun injuries.

Polk County Health Department is working with partners to address this public health issue.

  • Polk County Board of Supervisors
  • Blank Children's Hospital, UnityPoint Health
  • Broadlawns Medical Center
  • MercyOne
  • MercyOne, Children's Hospital
  • Des Moines University Clinic
  • Primary Health Care
  • The Iowa Clinic
  • Polk County Attorney's Office
  • Polk County Behavioral Health & Disability Services
  • Polk County Community & Family Youth Services
  • Polk County Sheriff's Office
  • Be Smart
  • Big Brothers, Big Sisters
  • EveryStep