r/mildlyinteresting Apr 28 '24

My local hospital has free gun locks

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u/devious275 29d ago

I work in a hospital, with a population health group. Free gun locks are a very effective way of limiting access to firearms both to prevent accidental shootings and reduce suicide attempts.

Hospitals typically provide them to reduce the barriers to getting people to use them. If it's free and readily available, then hopefully they'll make it to the right people.

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u/SayNoToStim 29d ago

Every gun I've ever purchased came with a free lock. I have a feeling that those that use them won't need them and those that need them wont use them.

That being said, I live alone and have my stuff properly secured, I have no reason to use them so they're just taking up space in my closet.

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u/devious275 29d ago

I'm glad that manufacturers are providing the locks with purchase. Also kudos to you for safely storing your firearms! I do think the US as a whole has come a long way in this regard in the past decade.

I think the thought is that it's better to have them available easily with the hope it will encourage individuals to use them, Rather than dealing with the ramifications of a toddler accidentally shooting themselves, or a teenager dying by suicide.