Best Practices to Prevent Firearm InjuriesNovember 2002
On the average day, one Minnesotan dies from a firearm injury, and another has a nonfatal firearm injury. Firearms are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury death in Minnesota. Firearm injuries are frequently severe; half of those who are injured die. There is a huge racial disparity in Minnesota: the rate of death from firearm injuries is 83 times greater for 15-24 year old African American males than it is for the general population (all ages and races).Suicide is a major issue: 74 percent of the fatal firearm injuries are suicides rather than assaults or unintentional injuries.
- Collect and analyze data.
- Support new community prevention efforts based on local data and needs.
- Develop local Gun Violence Action Teams (the MDH Injury and Violence Prevention Unit has local contacts for teams currently active).
- Promote safe storage of guns and ammunition.
- Promote the use and distribution of trigger locks.
- Supervise all youth activity with firearms.
- Limit access to firearms.
- Promote and provide gun and hunter safety training.
- Promote zero use of alcohol while hunting, carrying, or using a firearm.
- Enforce hunting laws; cite hunters.
- Provide age-appropriate counseling by primary care providers.
- Support restricted youth access to alcohol.