In a unified effort to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths, community leaders are announcing a new initiative promoting the use of gun locks and safe firearm storage.
The Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services is now offering gun trigger and cable locks at no cost at three vending machine locations stocked with various harm reduction resources.
“I urge all gun owners to take simple but effective steps to prevent gun violence,” said Kenosha County Behavioral Health Services Director Kari Foss. “Using trigger locks and making sure guns are stored safely are easy steps people can take to help ensure firearms aren’t used to a violent end.”
Vending machines are available at these locations:
Inside the commons area at the Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Road, Entrance D.Outside the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program office, 2000 63rd St.Outside the Sharing Center, 25700 Wilmot Road (Highway C), Trevor.
Other supplies regularly stocked in the machines and available at no cost include naloxone (NARCAN®) kits, fentanyl test kits, medication disposal packets and medication lock bags.
“These machines provide a free, discreet opportunity for community members to reduce the risk of overdoses, improper use of medications, and, now, misuse of firearms,” said County Executive Samantha Kerkman. “Together, we can protect our families and our communities.”
The addition of gun locks to the vending machines comes as the community has experienced a recent wave of gun injuries and deaths, Medical Examiner Patrice Hall noted.
“This year so far, we’ve had eight firearm deaths, including cases of homicide or suicide,” Hall said. “I encourage people to obtain these preventive measures to help prevent further tragedies.”
Sheriff David Zoerner also encourages gun owners to store firearms safely.
“Pro-active firearm ownership includes taking reasonable steps to ensure firearms are secured and kept out of the hands of children, individuals in crisis, or anyone who should not have access to them,” Zoerner said. “Something as simple as using a trigger lock or cable lock can help prevent tragedies, accidents, suicides, and acts of violence. This initiative provides another important tool to help keep our community safe while continuing to respect the rights of lawful gun owners.”
Several of the recent instances of gun violence were domestic in nature, Foss noted.
More information about resources available from Women and Children’s Horizons may be found at https://www.wchkenosha.org.
For further details about behavioral health resources and, specifically, suicide prevention, visit https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/2337/Suicide-Prevention-and-Intervention.