OhioHealth is participating in a national effort to tackle the issue of gun violence affecting children across the country. In collaboration with the Ad Council, OhioHealth has joined the "Agree to Agree" campaign, which focuses on preventing youth gun violence. As part of this initiative, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital will distribute 50 free gun lock boxes on Thursday, June 19.
Firearm injuries have been the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 17 in the United States for three consecutive years. The "Agree to Agree" campaign by the Ad Council is pioneering in its approach by offering actionable steps aimed at reducing gun-related tragedies involving children and teenagers. One key action emphasized by the campaign is securing firearms and keeping them inaccessible to children, prompting OhioHealth's decision to distribute free gun lock boxes at several of its facilities, including Mansfield Hospital.
“OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital treats a considerable number of victims of gun violence,” said Alexander Chapman, MD, trauma surgeon at Mansfield Hospital. “Death from gun violence is preventable, and we all have a role to play in protecting children and teens.”
The distribution event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday at both the Mansfield Hospital lobby and the Mansfield Hospital Medical Office Building lobby. Residents from Richland County and nearby areas are encouraged to collect a gun lock box during this time.
###