Yale New Haven Health joins nationwide gun safety effort

Firearm injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the United States, with 22 children and teens suffering a firearm injury every day, on average.

As part of its efforts to prevent firearm-related injuries, Yale New Haven Health has joined a nationwide Hospitals United public awareness and education campaign around firearm safety. Launched by Northwell Health, the campaign encourages parents to ask family and friends if firearms are safely stored in their homes.  

“Yale New Haven Health is proud to partner with many leading health systems, hospitals and other organizations nationwide on this very important initiative,” said Cynthia Sparer, YNHHS executive vice president and president of Ambulatory Care, and executive director, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. “Through continued education, advocacy, training and leadership, we can play an important role in helping to prevent firearm-related injuries and violence.” 

The Hospitals United campaign uses broadcast, print and digital public service messages to empower parents and families to ask others about access to guns. The campaign reminds people that unlocked guns can lead to death, suicide and gun violence. 

“Promoting safe firearm storage, asking about firearm safety and building an ecosystem of community violence-prevention strategies can save precious lives,” said James Dodington, MD, medical director, Center for Injury and Violence Prevention, Yale New Haven Hospital, and assistant professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine, Yale School of Medicine. “We can make a difference, and healthcare providers should recognize their central role as messengers of safety for all our children.”

Learn more about gun safety and the Hospitals United campaign.