Nashville, Tenn. — In response to the alarming rates of child fatalities caused by firearms in Tennessee, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has launched a new initiative aimed at increasing gun safety across the state. According to Tennessee’s 2024 Child Fatality report, firearms were the leading non-medical cause of death among children, a trend that has continued since the previous year.
To combat this issue, the hospital introduced a program called Locks for Children’s Safety in September 2024. The initiative provides free gun locks to all families who visit the hospital, in an effort to reduce the risk of unintentional shootings by children. This service is available to families across various hospital locations, including the emergency department, clinics, and other areas accessible to patients and visitors.
Dr. Kelsey Gastineau, assistant professor of pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, explained the hospital’s decision to offer free gun locks. “We know that as pediatricians, it’s our responsibility to help families understand the risk and securely store their firearms to keep children safe in the home,” she said. Gastineau added that Tennessee has consistently ranked highly for unintentional shootings involving children, underscoring the need for immediate action.
The gun locks, provided through partnerships with state agencies, are strategically placed throughout the hospital for easy access. They are available at several locations, including all floors of the hospital, the emergency department, and specific clinics such as the Shade Tree Clinic and the General Surgery Clinic. Gastineau emphasized that the initiative is designed to be as accessible as possible, ensuring families can pick up the locks in a judgment-free environment.
“It’s emotionally draining for our staff to witness these injuries,” Gastineau shared. “Unlike other injuries, firearm-related incidents are preventable. That’s why we are committed to providing this service to families, and why we’re extending this program throughout the entire hospital.”
Since its launch, more than 3,000 gun locks have been distributed, and the hospital continues to explore other storage solutions to further enhance safety at home. The hospital also accepts donations to help sustain the program and ensure its continued success. Individuals interested in contributing to the cause can reach out to the hospital’s development office at [email protected].
Pediatricians at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital remain committed to firearm prevention as part of their broader effort to protect children from preventable injuries. “Prevention is not a 9-5 job for us; it’s a 24/7 commitment,” Dr. Gastineau concluded.
Through the Locks for Children’s Safety program, Vanderbilt’s pediatric specialists are taking a proactive stance in safeguarding the most vulnerable by empowering families to take control of gun safety in their homes.
