Over 100,000 gun locks distributed by IDPH since program began last year

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) just hit a big milestone in the agency's firearm safety program.

Since launching the “Together for a Safer Illinois” campaign in partnership with Illinois State Police and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, IDPH has distributed more than 100,000 gun locks to firearm owners across the state. The initiative is intended to prevent access to firearms by children, those who are not trained in the safe use of a weapon, or those who might use the gun to harm themselves or others.

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“IDPH is thrilled to see the public interest in our gun lock distribution program,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Preventing gun violence and injury is a critical public health goal, and gun locks are an important tool to prevent accidental shootings, gun violence, and suicide. 100,000 distributed gun locks are only the start of this important initiative. As IDPH and our partners work Together for a Safer Illinois, we look forward to continuing our gun lock distribution at events across Illinois this spring and summer.”

The program was initiated in June 2023 and has made gun locks available at a variety of public events. The locks include installation instructions for auto-loading pistols, revolvers, auto-loading and pump-action shotguns, bolt action rifles, modern sports rifles, and single action revolvers. Also included is information about the national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

Local health departments and community organizations can get more information about offering free gun locks in their communities at IDPH/VIPS Gun Lock Request Form (smartsheet.com) or by visiting the IDPH gun safety webpage at Gun Safety (illinois.gov).