“Let’s Talk Guns, Colorado” initiative aims to reduce firearm deaths and injuries by promoting personal responsibility
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention has launched a statewide education and awareness campaign to help reduce gun violence and promote firearm safety across the state.
The new “Let’s Talk Guns, Colorado” campaign is intended to increase awareness and understanding among Coloradans about state and federal laws and existing resources relating to gun violence prevention. Campaign topics include a range of gun safety laws and best practices related to the safe storage of firearms, how to report a lost or stolen firearm, and how to request an extreme risk protection order. The campaign will also include information on how people can access mental health and substance use treatment and support, including suicide prevention services.
“Everyone–whether they own a gun or not–wants to keep their loved ones and communities safe,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment executive director. “This campaign will help people start the conversation on gun safety and understand new resources available to them. I believe it will help reduce gun violence in our state.
Coloradans can expect to see “Let’s Talk Guns, Colorado’’ ads in print publications, while browsing the internet, scrolling through social media, and visiting local markets and convenience stores. Cable and streaming TV ads will debut this month. Additionally, a campaign website offers information on firearm storage options, safe gun ownership checklists, the process for requesting the temporary removal of access to firearms from someone who may pose a significant risk of harming themselves or others, and more.
Campaign ads and materials urge Colorado gun owners, non-gun owners, individuals living in households with firearms, professionals in health care, mental health, education, and law enforcement, as well as the general public to start conversations with their friends, families, and neighbors about firearms. By encouraging constructive discussions, the initiative seeks to bridge divides and promote understanding and shared accountability among all Coloradans.
“The number of firearm injury deaths in Colorado is greater than deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes, opioid overdoses, or colon cancer,” said Jonathan McMillan, direc- tor of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. “By shining a spotlight on responsible gun ownership and encouraging open dialogue, all Coloradans can work together to reverse this trend. Talking more openly about gun safety and mental health issues will help.”
According to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Vital Statistics data, there were 6,380 firearm deaths among Colorado residents between 2016 and 2022. Among those deaths, 72.1 percent were intentional self-harm incidents or suicides, 23.7 percent were assaults or homicides, 2.6 percent were due to legal intervention, 0.9 percent were unintentional, and 0.7 percent were due to an undetermined manner.
For more information about the “Let’s Talk Guns, Colorado” campaign visit www.LetsTalkGunsColorado.com (English) or www.ColoradoHablemosdeArmas.com (En Español). In addition, visit the Office of Gun Violence Prevention web page to learn about the office’s ongoing work to reduce gun violence across Colorado.
