ASK

Asking Saves Kids: Firearms are now the leading cause of death for U.S. children aged 1-19 years. While school mass shootings make headlines, suicides make up the majority of these deaths. Accidental shootings by curious children who access unsecured firearms also contribute. It should be a standard part of our practice to assess access to firearms when seeing children who are depressed or suicidal, expressing homicidal thoughts, or are current victims of gun or gang violence. But if there’s time during the visit, it doesn’t hurt to run through an injury prevention checklist (helmets, carseat/seatbelt, unsecured firearms) with all our patients / parents. Find resources here