LACMA Partners with L.A. Care and LAC DPH to Relaunch Countywide Gun Safety Campaign

In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA), in collaboration with L.A. Care Health Plan and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, is once again leading a public health initiative to address unintentional firearm injuries and deaths among children. Now in its second year, the campaign promotes safe firearm storage and expands access to free gun safety locks for Los Angeles County families.

LACMA is calling on physicians across the county to amplify this effort by sharing gun safety resources with patients and encouraging secure firearm practices in the home.

“The Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) is proud to stand alongside our valued partners, L.A. Care Health Plan and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in support of this critical initiative,”said Gustavo Friederichsen, CEO of LACMA.

“Gun violence exacts a devastating toll on our communities, especially our youth. By advocating for responsible gun safety measures, such as the use of gun locks, we can prevent tragic accidents and save lives. We urge our physician community to help spread this message and protect the families we serve.”

In Los Angeles County, a child is killed or injured by gun violence every 30 hours. Nationally, over 70% of unintentional child shootings happen in or near the home—frequently involving children as both shooters and victims. This year’s campaign features digital billboards along major freeways, survivor testimonials, and targeted social media messaging—all directing the public to lockedandunloaded.org, where they can request up to two free gun locks by mail or find a local pickup site.

“The tragedy of losing a child to gun violence is horrifying,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “One straightforward action to take to reduce gun violence is keeping firearms in the home locked and unloaded to prevent unintentional deaths or injuries and gun suicides. By providing free gun locks and safety messaging, we can foster a culture that protects our children and reduces gun violence.”

Since launching in 2024, the campaign has distributed nearly 30,000 gun safety locks and educational materials at hospitals, health centers, libraries, and community events. The goal for 2025 is to distribute 60,000 locks, with several L.A. Care/Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers now serving as distribution hubs.

“Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States, and as the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, we have a responsibility to address this serious public health crisis,” said Martha Santana-Chin, CEO of L.A. Care. “We will continue promoting gun safety, advocating for responsible policies, and working with partners to reduce the impact of gun violence.”

LACMA encourages physicians to integrate firearm safety into routine patient conversations—particularly during well-child visits—and to direct families to free resources available at lockedandunloaded.org. By taking an active role in prevention, physicians can help reduce the devastating impact of gun violence and create safer home environments across Los Angeles County.