The next phase of the Pause to Heal campaign is launching a new set of public service announcements on when to file Firearm Restraining Orders -- or F-R-O's.
The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Brady: United Against Gun Violence and the Ad Council say they're debuting the P-S-A's because despite these tools’ proven efficacy at preventing firearm injuries and deaths, awareness among the general public remains low.
The campaign points out extreme risk laws, like Illinois’ F-R-O's, are civil orders that temporarily prevent someone in crisis from purchasing or possessing firearms.
One study estimated that Indiana’s extreme risk law averted one suicide for approximately every 10 orders enforced. Yet, an Ad Council pre-wave study showed that only 10% of Illinoisans are familiar with it.
F-R-O's can be obtained through a civil procedure initiated by a family member, household member or other law enforcement officer and, if granted, temporarily block someone displaying signs they intend to harm themselves or someone else from buying or possessing a firearm.
