Injuries and deaths caused by firearms are a public health issue.  Each year, over 40,000 Americans die by suicide, homicide, or accidents with firearms. 

In 2020, firearm-related injuries were among the 5 leading causes of death for people ages 1-44 in the United States.

gun deaths in US 2020
Benton-Franklin Health District is addressing this problem by raising public awareness of firearm safety practices and identifying gaps in our 
knowledge about the problem and ways to prevent it. Addressing these gaps is an important step toward keeping individuals, families, schools, and communities safe from firearm violence and its consequences.

What you can do to prevent gun violence:

Unlocked firearms are a risk to people struggling with suicidal thoughts.  Learn more about resources and next steps for suicide prevention
Out-of-home firearm storage can be especially helpful to people in crisis. The businesses and law enforcement agencies listed on this map are willing to consider requests for temporary, voluntary firearm storage.

Click here to access the FREE Washington Firearm Safe Storage Map