L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest public plan with more than 2.6 million beneficiaries enrolled, has sent a letter to California State Senator Lena Gonzalez to voice its support of Senate Bill 1253. The bill requires individuals bringing firearms into California to obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) within 60 days. Current California law mandates individuals acquiring firearms within the state to obtain an FSC, but out-of-state acquisitions are not addressed. Senate Bill 1253 aims to close this loophole.
L.A. Care ‘s letter stressed that these certificates are designed to educate firearm owners on essential safety practices and legal obligations, ensuring that every individual possessing a firearm is well informed and responsible. The letter states that FSCs are an additional step to strengthening firearms safety and curbing gun violence.
In 2022, the L.A. Care Board of Governors directed L.A. Care to advocate for more state and federal gun safety policies to protect lives in alignment with its health equity priorities. Integrating gun safety into health equity initiatives acknowledges the interconnectedness of community safety and overall well-being, aiming to ensure that all have access to the resources and support needed to prevent gun-related harm and promote equitable health outcomes.
To that end, L.A. Care convened a summit where stakeholders proposed solutions to gun violence, and collaborated with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention to train healthcare professionals in supporting gun safety at home.
Recently, L.A. Care, the Los Angeles County Medical Association, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention collaborated on an educational campaign promoting gun safety, specifically advocating for the use of gun locks to prevent accidental gun violence involving children and youth at home.
L.A. Care strongly supports responsible firearm ownership and advocates for measures such as Senate Bill 1253 that prioritizes the safety and welfare of our communities.