Prevention and intervention approaches
Firearm-related harms are preventable. By working together, we can address the factors that increase the risk of these harms in individuals and communities.
It is important to understand that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to preventing firearm-related harms. Using just one strategy will not solve the problem completely, and not all approaches work equally well for everyone.
This section includes strategies and approaches that communities can adapt and use to prevent firearm-related harms. To save lives, communities should use what they know now while researchers continue to improve our understanding of the best ways to prevent these harms.
While each option is an important approach on its own, communities should implement approaches and their strategies alongside others to best prevent firearm-related harms.
Approaches can include:
Creating protective environments
Creating environments that protect communities from firearm-related harm means focusing on changing the factors in people’s lives or communities that lead to negative health outcomes. These factors are often called “root causes” or “risk factors,” and they include things like access to housing, education, jobs, food, parks, and health care. It also includes the built environment (the physical places where people live, work, and do everyday activities), neighborhood safety, social connectedness, and a sense of belonging. The Menu of Systems Change Strategies compiles current research supporting these efforts and includes guidance for communities and is updated annually.
Promoting secure firearm storage
Secure firearm storage is an important part of responsible firearm ownership and keeps both owners and others safe. Secure storage can include options for out-of-home firearm storage. Additionally, health and mental health care providers can talk to patients about reducing access to firearms during a crisis. This is sometimes called “lethal means safety counseling".
Enhancing community-driven efforts
This approach uses local knowledge to create prevention strategies that fit the needs of the community. Working together with local organizations, health agencies, and affected communities is important to reduce these harms. Strategies within this approach can include community violence intervention, hospital-based violence intervention programs, and firearm business partnerships.
Providing education on Colorado laws and regulations
Firearm-related policies start with the idea that people have the right to “bear arms”—or own firearms. However, with that right comes responsibilities. Teaching people about existing Colorado firearm laws and regulations can help people make informed choices about owning, storing, and using firearms, allow businesses to follow the law, and help keep people and communities safe by teaching them potential ways to handle risky situations.