The State of Gun Violence in America
Every year, 121,066 people are shot and more than 44,000 die.
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- Learn How to Talk to Patients about Gun Access and Safety
How to Talk to Patients about Gun Access and Safety
A Resource Guide For Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to protect the health and safety of our communities. However, clinicians too often shy away from discussing firearm safety because they are worried about alienating their patients or simply don't know where to start. But research suggests that most patients find it appropriate for healthcare providers to initiate conversations about firearms. This resource guide will aid you in these discussions by providing research-based best practices, examples of scenarios you may encounter, and educational resources to share with your patients.
"Healthcare professionals talking to patients about firearm access and safe storage, like my physicians did with me, is a crucial way to save lives."
Download "How to Talk to Patients about Gun Access and Safety"
Use the form to provide your information and receive the This Is Our Lane "How to Talk to Patients about Gun Access and Safety" resource guide. Upon submission you will receive a link to download the guide.
How to Talk to Patients about Gun Access and Safety Includes
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Types of Safe Gun Storage
From cable locks and trigger locks, to biometric safes and off-site storage options. Learn more about the ways firearms can be secured.
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How to Talk With Patients About Firearm Safety
Discussing firearm safety is an essential aspect of preventive healthcare.
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Common Challenges for Providers
Discussing firearm safety can be a complex and sensitive issue for healthcare providers. Learn ways to overcome common challenges.
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Patient Safety Discussion Scripts
Read scenarios that exemplify the role of healthcare professionals in respectfully and informatively addressing firearm safety concerns.
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Downloadable Resources
Download resources from Brady's award-winning End Family Fire public education program and more.
WHY IT MATTERS
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"The leading cause of death in children and one of the top causes of death in adults in the United States is firearm violence. As such, medical professionals must address any and all ways to prevent firearm injuries — including talking to our patients about safe firearm storage.”
Dr. Babak Sarani, MD, FACS, FCCM
Professor of Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Chief, Center for Trauma and Critical Care George Washington University -
"As someone who has lived through the unimaginable loss of a child due to an unsecured firearm, I know how critical it is to address gun safety proactively. This resource guide for clinicians is an invaluable tool, equipping healthcare professionals to have informed, compassionate conversations with families about responsible gun ownership and storage. These discussions can save lives and prevent the kind of tragedy my family experienced."
Griffin Dix, PhD
Author, advocate, co-chair of the Oakland/Alameda County Brady Chapter, and gun violence survivor -
"Clinicians are uniquely positioned to engage with patients about the dangers of unsecured firearms. By fostering open and informed conversations and addressing this issue with sensitivity and evidence-based strategies, like those provided by Brady’s This Is Our Lane, they can and are playing a vital role in reducing gun violence."
Dr. Sonali Rajan, EdD
Professor of Health Promotion and Education, Department of Health Studies & Applied Educational Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University
About This Is Our Lane
Led by Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, Brady’s This Is Our Lane campaign mobilizes healthcare professionals to use their voices and expertise to reduce firearm injuries and deaths.
Following a 2018 comment by the NRA that doctors should “stay in their lane” and had no business addressing firearm violence, Brady Chief Medical Officer, trauma surgeon, and gun violence survivor Dr. Joseph V. Sakran launched @ThisIsOurLane, a community of healthcare professionals dedicated to reducing firearm injuries and deaths. @ThisIsOur Lane sparked a grassroots movement, amplifying the voices of those who are on the frontlines of this preventable epidemic and inspiring a sea change in viewing gun violence as a public health issue. Brady's This Is Our Lane campaign benefits from the expertise of an advisory council including nationally recognized clinicians committed to ensuring that firearm violence in America is treated like the public health crisis that it is.
