The goal is to raise awareness about secure firearm storage and encourage
community members to utilize the County’s free gun lock program
LOS ANGELES – In Los Angeles County, every 30 hours a child is killed or injured by gun violence. Across the country, more than seven in 10 unintentional child shootings occur in or around homes. And unfortunately, the victims of shootings by children are most often also children. To help change these dire statistics, L.A. Care Health Plan, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), and the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) are once again working together to educate County residents about secure firearm storage and how gun safety locks can help keep children and youth safe from gun violence inside the home. The month-long billboard and social media campaign, funded by L.A. Care and LACMA, will run during June, which is Gun Violence Awareness Month.
“Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States, and as the nation's largest publicly operated health plan, we have a responsibility to address this serious public health crisis by promoting gun safety and working with our providers and community partners to reduce gun violence and its impact,” said Martha Santana-Chin, L.A. Care CEO. “L.A. Care will continue advocating for responsible gun safety laws, supporting violence intervention and prevention programs, and promoting health equity to address the underlying causes of gun violence.”
The campaign includes testimonials from gun violence survivors, social media posts, and both digital billboards and traditional static posters, which will be displayed on heavily traveled portions of the 110, 10 and 710 freeways and on bus benches across the County. The posts and billboards will feature powerful data points and direct members of the community interested in obtaining a free gun lock to visit lockedandunloaded.org. The website features an interactive map where residents can find gun lock distribution locations throughout the County or use an online form to request up to two free gun locks by mail, no questions asked.
“The tragedy of losing a child to gun violence is horrifying,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “One straightforward action to take to reduce gun violence is keeping firearms in the home locked and unloaded to prevent unintentional deaths or injuries and gun suicides. By providing free gun locks and safety messaging, we can foster a culture that protects our children and reduces gun violence.”
Since April 2024, when the billboard campaign first launched, OVP has distributed almost 30,000-gun safety locks and educational materials at participating County medical centers, County libraries, pop-up events and through online requests. In 2025, OVP aims to reach a total of 60,000-gun safety locks distributed across Los Angeles County. Several L.A. Care/Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers will also serve as free gun safety lock distribution locations.
“The Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) is proud to stand alongside our valued partners, L.A. Care Health Plan and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in support of this critical initiative,” said Gustavo Friederichsen, CEO of LACMA. "Gun violence exacts a devastating toll on our communities, especially our youth. By advocating for responsible gun safety measures, such as the use of gun locks, we can prevent tragic accidents and save lives. We invite our healthcare community to help spread the word and we urge every member of our community to take advantage of this opportunity to make our homes safer and protect our loved ones. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the fight against gun violence."
Gun safety is everyone’s responsibility, and by educating the public about responsible gun ownership and safe handling practices, we can create a safer environment for everyone. For more information, and to receive a free gun lock, please visit lockedandunloaded.org.
About Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.
About LACMA
The Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA)is an organization of more than 7,000 dedicated physicians who advocate quality healthcare for all patients and serve the professional needs of its members. The group serves to represent its professional members in public policy, government relations, and community relations. The organization was founded in 1871 and is a constituent of the California Medical Association (CMA). LACMA, together with CMA physicians, strives to preserve and protect the noble pursuit of healthcare delivery.