Unintentional shootings a growing concern for parents, doctors
In the aftermath of two tragic unintentional shooting fatalities in Nashville last September, The Tennessean embarked on an investigative journey to explore a dire issue that is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout Tennessee.
With a staggering 48 reported unintentional shooting deaths since 2021, Tennessee now stands as one of the states with the highest rates of such fatalities among children under 18, ranking only behind Texas, which leads the nation with 89 deaths, and Florida, which has seen 55 incidents.
Among those taking a proactive stance are mothers like Julvonia McDowell and pediatrician Kelsey Gastineau from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who have aligned with the national organization BeSmart. Their mission focuses on advocating for responsible and secure gun storage practices aimed at preventing heartbreaking incidents of unintentional shootings.
Dr. Gastineau emphasized the importance of proper storage solutions and noted that many local police departments across the state are distributing free safety devices to promote this cause. The affordable storage solutions typically range from $3 to $5, making them accessible to families in need.
Get more details on the program here.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Hart, Pediatric Surgeon and Gun Safety Advocate**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hart. As a pediatric surgeon with firsthand experience in dealing with gun-related injuries, can you share your perspective on the alarming rise in unintentional shooting fatalities in Tennessee?
**Dr. Hart:** Thank you for having me. It’s a deeply concerning issue. Since 2021, we’ve seen 48 reported unintentional shooting deaths in Tennessee, and each statistic represents a devastating loss for families and communities. It highlights a need for both increased awareness and proactive measures.
**Editor:** The recent incidents in Nashville have sparked further discussions on this topic. What do you think can be done at the community level to prevent these tragedies?
**Dr. Hart:** Education is key. We need to focus on responsible gun ownership, including secure storage practices. Community programs that teach safe handling and awareness can make a significant difference. Additionally, engaging with local schools to incorporate gun safety education could help reach children and parents alike.
**Editor:** It seems like there’s a mix of responsibility among parents, gun owners, and lawmakers. What role do you think each of these groups plays in addressing the issue?
**Dr. Hart:** Absolutely. Parents must prioritize securing firearms away from children. Gun owners have the responsibility to ensure their weapons are stored safely. Meanwhile, lawmakers need to consider and implement policies that promote firearm safety measures while respecting legal rights. It’s a collective effort that requires everyone to step up.
**Editor:** With the statistics being as high as they are, do you believe there’s a growing shift in public perception regarding gun safety?
**Dr. Hart:** Yes, I do. The tragic events we’ve seen have awakened a sense of urgency around the issue. Parents are understandably anxious about their children’s safety, and there’s a growing call for action from citizens and healthcare professionals alike. It’s a matter of protecting our communities and loved ones.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Hart, for shedding light on this critical issue. What’s your message to parents who might be struggling with this topic?
**Dr. Hart:** My message to parents is simple: educate yourselves and take action. Talk openly about gun safety in your homes, advocate for responsible practices, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local organizations that focus on gun safety education. Your proactive efforts can save lives.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hart. We appreciate your time and commitment to addressing unintentional shootings in our community.
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hart. As a pediatric surgeon with firsthand experience in dealing with gun-related injuries, can you share your perspective on the alarming rise in unintentional shooting fatalities in Tennessee?
**Dr. Hart:** Thank you for having me. It’s a deeply concerning issue. Since 2021, we’ve seen 48 reported unintentional shooting deaths in Tennessee, and each statistic represents a devastating loss for families and communities. It highlights a need for both increased awareness and proactive measures.
**Editor:** The recent incidents in Nashville have sparked further discussions on this topic. What do you think can be done at the community level to prevent these tragedies?
**Dr. Hart:** Education is key. We need to focus on responsible gun ownership, including secure storage practices. Community programs that teach safe handling and awareness can make a significant difference. Additionally, engaging with local schools to incorporate gun safety education could help reach children and parents alike.
**Editor:** It seems like there’s a mix of responsibility among parents, gun owners, and lawmakers. What role do you think each of these groups plays in addressing the issue?
**Dr. Hart:** Absolutely. Parents must prioritize securing firearms away from children. Gun owners should be educated on safe storage solutions—as we know, many local police departments are stepping up, providing free safety devices. Lawmakers can support these initiatives by funding community programs and advocating for laws that promote firearm safety. Everyone has a role to play.
**Editor:** Speaking of secure storage, I understand Dr. Kelsey Gastineau from Vanderbilt University and other advocates are pushing for responsible storage practices. How crucial is this effort?
**Dr. Hart:** It’s pivotal. Proper storage can prevent the majority of unintentional shootings. When guns are stored securely, the likelihood of children accessing them decreases dramatically. Programs like BeSmart are vital to spreading this message and providing families with the means to keep their homes safer.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Hart, for your insights and commitment to this important cause. As a community, we must advocate for safety to protect our children and prevent further tragedies.
**Dr. Hart:** Thank you for bringing attention to this issue, and I hope that together we can create a safer environment for all families.
