ST. LOUIS — In an effort to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths, 2,500 gun locks are available for free throughout St. Louis County, as part of its “Lock It to Live” campaign.
Officials say the largest contributors to child and adolescent mortality in St. Louis County were homicide, accidents and suicides.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that demands data-driven, community-rooted solutions,” said Dr. Kanika Cunningham, director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.
“Safe storage is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect our children, reduce suicides and prevent tragic accidents.”
St. Louis parent, Sukeena Gunner, is the center of the County’s latest installment of the docuseries, “When the Shooting Stops – Exploring the Lives of Homicide Survivors.”
Her son, Jaylon McKenzie, was killed by a stray bullet in 2019.
“Jaylon wasn't introduced to guns. I don't have any. I don't own any guns. So, the first time that he was introduced to a gun, he was being killed by one. And I really don’t want that for another family,” she said.
“This work is really important.”
The new episode of the docuseries will debut later this summer. Viewers can watch the docuseries on the Department of Public Health’s YouTube page.
Officials proclaimed June as gun violence awareness month.
Below is a list of where free gun locks are available while supplies last:
- Nine YWCA locations
- St. Louis Library County branches
- St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative
- Delinquency and Care and Protection Director Offices within St. Louis County Children Services
- Berkeley Police Department
- Ferguson Police Department
- Jennings Police Department
- All St. Louis County Police departments
- Dellwood Community Center
- Legacy Title Company
