Kennedy Krieger Institute is offering free gun locks to patient families, staff and community members. The Institute received grant funding from the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy to purchase 800 locks for this campaign.

Our Goal

Through the safe storage distribution campaign, Kennedy Krieger is hoping to have an impact on the high number of pediatric gun deaths and injuries. Since 2020, gun violence has been the number one cause of death among children in the United States under the age of 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm purchases in the U.S. increased. As a result, there are now 30 million children in the nation living in a household with a purchased firearm, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. At the same time, Kennedy Krieger’s clinicians began seeing more patients with gun-related injuries, which motivated them to consider ways to reduce gun violence risks for children.

Unlocked guns increase the risk of both unintentional gun injuries and intentional shootings. By safely securing their guns and keeping them away from children, gun owners can use a proven strategy to improve safety and reduce harm.

How to Receive a Safe Storage Lock

Patients, families and others who want a free gun lock can request one from the security desks at any of the following locations:

Kennedy Krieger staff members will record the number of locks distributed. However, they will not record the names of those who receive the locks, keeping the process anonymous. Anyone who receives a lock will also be given a QR code to participate in an anonymous survey. Participation in the survey is optional.