Alarm Raised in Rise of Gun-Related Injuries Among Kids

image via Medical Daily

June 5, 2025, 2:01 PM

• •Cook Children's Medical Center is urging parents to secure firearms due to a rise in gun-related injuries among children, especially with school out and more time at home.
• •The center has already treated 40 firearm injuries this year, nearing last year's total, with the program coordinator highlighting the prevalence of firearms and improper storage as contributing factors.
• •To prevent injuries, the center promotes the "Three T's": Talk, Teach, and Take action (lock up firearms), while also providing lock boxes and community outreach.
• •The issue is compounded by summer activities and sleepovers, with rising firearm mortality among youth and associated behavioral health issues further emphasizing the urgency of gun safety.

Cook Children's Medical Center is sounding the alarm due to a significant increase in gun-related injuries among children, particularly with the summer break and more time spent at home. The center has already treated a concerning number of injuries this year, prompting a call for parents to secure their firearms. Program coordinator Eric Gonzalez attributes the rise to the increasing number of firearms in households and improper storage. To address this, Cook Children's is promoting gun safety through education and providing resources like lock boxes.

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