Erlanger Health System expanded access to its free gun lock program on March 11, 2026, making the safety devices available to patients and visitors across all emergency department and labor and delivery locations. The expansion represents a significant effort to promote firearm safety at medical facilities.
According to the Chattanoogan, the healthcare system's initiative reflects recognition that hospitals and emergency departments are well-positioned to reach community members about firearm safety. The program's expansion signals growing collaboration between healthcare providers and gun safety efforts.
Healthcare-based firearm safety initiatives have increased in recent years as medical professionals have acknowledged their role in violence prevention. Emergency departments, in particular, frequently treat patients with firearm injuries and have unique opportunities to educate families about safe storage and suicide prevention strategies.
Making free gun locks available through hospitals addresses practical access barriers that might prevent gun owners from obtaining storage devices. Research demonstrates that gun locks—including cable locks and biometric safes—significantly reduce the risk of accidental injuries, particularly among children and adolescents, as well as unplanned access during mental health crises.
Erlanger's expanded program joins similar initiatives at healthcare systems across the country that have integrated firearm safety into their community health missions. These programs operate on the premise that firearm safety is a public health issue requiring multifaceted community approaches.