CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Champaign County has been awarded a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to enhance public health and safety through firearm safe storage solutions. The grant also covers education on firearms restraining orders (FROs) which is a civil court order that temporarily prohibits a person from possessing or buying firearms, possessing ammunition, and possessing firearm parts that could be assembled to make an operable firearm.
The Champaign County Gun Safety initiative is designed to promote responsible gun ownership and reduce firearm-related incidents in our community. The grant supports educational programming and outreach that teaches the community about the importance of secure firearm storage.
In June 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on firearm violence, calling it an urgent public health crisis.
County Board member and longtime volunteer leader with Champaign County Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America’s Ely Hanauer-Friedman is pleased with the U.S. Surgeon General’s order. “Gun violence, including gun suicide, continues to be a serious concern throughout our community. Champaign County is committed to supporting gun violence prevention efforts and this grant builds on the financial support the County has provided to local gun violence prevention efforts over the past few years. Increased public awareness of and access to safe storage as well as highlighting options to temporarily remove guns from loved ones who pose a threat to themselves or others will save lives.”
The new program will offer free gun locks and safes paired with educational workshops and outreach efforts to residents, and other educational online resources. The County will also partner with local law enforcement, public health officials, and community organizations to raise awareness of firearms restraining orders and the benefits of safe firearm storage.
Visit www.champaigncountygunsafety.org to sign up for upcoming training sessions and to learn more about the program. Email safestorage@champaigncountyil.gov with further questions.