Kelli Smithgall’s Post

In 2022, nearly 27,000 lives were tragically lost to suicide using firearms. Self-directed gun violence is fueling our nation’s suicide epidemic. We #WearOrange to reduce and prevent suicide. Learn more about NAMI's policy positions on gun violence: nami.org/GunViolence

The fear of gun crime in American schools is being weaponised. We investigate the hoax school-shooting epidemic. Click here to see the hidden costs of gun violence in American schools over a typical month: https://econ.st/3QZYLk7

Since COVID-19 gun violence has risen at an alarming rate across the U.S. We are bringing together prosecutors, practitioners, and experts to discuss the impact of gun violence, with a focus on youth. Join us June 4-5. https://bit.ly/3UO2SCN

Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day...and the numbers aren't pretty. Gun violence has an impact across all types of people and places... ↗️ Nearly 43,000 people in America died from gun-related violence in 2023—and the health and economic costs of gun violence are rising every year. ↗️ In 2020 and 2021, firearms were responsible for more U.S. deaths among children ages 1-17 than any other injury or illness, overtaking motor vehicle accidents, which was historically the leading cause of death in this age group. To learn more, visit the Gun Violence Research Center: https://hubs.ly/Q02z-gGb0 Let's raise awareness about #gunviolence and honor the lives of victims and survivors. Be careful out there this weekend. #schoolsafety #publicsafety #security

The final most engaged-with post of 2023 we're sharing is about gun control and keeping firearms away from abusers. Guns are the #1 cause of death for children in the United States. 70 women in America are shot and killed by their domestic abuser in an average month. With the Supreme Court debating whether domestic abusers can have guns, those numbers could increase. Learn the facts of US v Rahimi -- and join us to tell SCOTUS: NO GUNS FOR ABUSERS. #DisarmDV https://lnkd.in/gBiyvkK4

Access to firearms by someone in crisis increases the likelihood that suicide attempts and other forms of violence will be fatal. Storing firearms outside the home when someone is at risk can be lifesaving. Learn more about temporary firearm transfers: https://lnkd.in/gAZHRWq3

🔔 BREAKING NEWS: The gun violence crisis is leading doctors to ask patients about firearm safety at home. This crucial conversation can save lives by promoting responsible gun ownership. Read more about this important development. Link: https://lnkd.in/d2Y2Y9Ct #GunSafety #PublicHealth #CommunityProtection #StayInformed

It’s back to school season, and while parents should be worrying about report cards, soccer games, and first crushes, we are forced to reckon with Pennsylvania’s crippling gun violence crisis. While the gun lobby and their allies dream up jarring phony “solutions” like  armed guards in schools, metal detectors, and bulletproof backpacks, we’re pushing proactive solutions to keep guns away from people who would hurt our children and communities. Join us in taking action to demand our leaders pass evidence-based, bipartisan legislation establishing: 📚Safe firearm storage to stop children from getting easy access to guns that can be used in schools ✏️Universal background checks to stop prohibited purchasers from buying AR-15-style rifles, the weapon of choice for mass shootings 🍎Extreme Risk Protection Orders to disarm people who are at-risk of committing school shootings 🎒Reporting of lost or stolen firearms to stop the flow of illegal guns that end up in the hands of youth Will you join our fight to #KeepKidsSafe, and take action now? https://lnkd.in/eWSgRDTN

Did you see our Karina's Bill Day of Action Alert? Gun violence prevention advocates from various coalitions are joining together to advocate for the passage of Karina’s Bill – please join us with action today! SB 2633*, Karina’s Bill, clarifies and strengthens the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and Firearm Restraining Order Act to require that a firearm be removed when a domestic violence survivor is granted a firearm remedy in an order of protection. This bill specifically: * Requires firearm removal to occur during service of an emergency order of protection (OP) when granted by a judge. * Clarifies existing language in statute for a judge to issue a warrant when granting the firearm remedy to allow for consistent firearm removal enforcement across the state. * Closes a loophole in current statute by barring transfer of ownership of firearms when the firearm remedy is granted. * Adds dating partners and ex-dating partners to the list of petitioners in the firearm restraining orders act to create additional avenues of firearm relief when an OP is not needed. Click the link to view the Karina's Bill fact sheet, as well as links to contact your state Senator now and urge them to call Karina's Bill for a vote this veto session! Please act now to ensure that this life saving legislation is passed this session! https://conta.cc/49r7dks

Let's break the silence on Stalking Awareness Day. The link between stalking and intimate partner violence is alarming. Let's shed light on the risks survivors face, especially when firearms are involved. Read our new article on stalking and the risk for gun violence. https://lnkd.in/g3xGFewA #StalkingAwarenessDay #Firearms #GunViolence #BWJP