Safe Storage Saves Lives: OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital Prioritizes Gun Safety
OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital showed their support for the community on June 19 by giving away 50 gun lock boxes for free. This initiative was made as an effort to decrease gun violence and spread awareness about the importance of storing your firearms safely.
While gun violence is preventable, safe storage can be expensive. Many people who received lock boxes last week had children and grandchildren in their homes and shared their appreciation for OhioHealth’s commitment to gun safety.
Gerald Skrumbellos shared his experience with firearms and the impact that they have had on his life. Skrumbellos told Richland Source a heartbreaking story about his friend’s brother passing away after being accidentally shot at age thirteen.
Skrumbellos has grandchildren that visit often, and while he does want a firearm for self-defense, the most important factor is prioritizing the children’s safety. He said that once he purchases a firearm, he will use the lock box to keep his grandchildren safe when visiting.
People from various backgrounds took the free lockboxes on Thursday, and though each person had a unique situation and experience with guns, they all had a similar goal when taking one – safety and protecting their loved ones.
Maggie Cervinski said that she would appreciate seeing more free boxes given away in the community. Her son had recently saved up money to purchase a lock box for his family and she took a box for herself to protect her grandchildren when they visit her home.
“We love our grandchildren, but we also love our protection,” Cervinski said.
According to the CDC, 25.2% of Ohio residents with a child and a loaded firearm report storing their gun unlocked in their home.
Alexander Chapman, MD, General Trauma Surgeon, told Richland Source, “We have to do something about keeping our guns more safe and keeping our children more safe.” While Dr. Chapman says he doesn’t think firearms are bad, he emphasizes the importance of using them mindfully with care.
This is the first year that Mansfield Hospital has given out free lock boxes, and the trauma team is hopeful of giving out more in the future to help prevent gun-related deaths.
