Southern 7 Health Department has received a second-year grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health to promote gun safety and prevent accidental injuries across the state. The funding comes through the “Together for a Safer Illinois” initiative.
Illinois ranks 14th in the nation for gun violence, according to EveryStat.org. In response, IDPH partnered with Illinois State Police and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help prevent firearm access by children or untrained individuals.
Last year, Southern 7 provided over 600 gun locks and shared safety info with nearly 1,750 residents. The program runs through June 2026.
For details or to request a free gun lock, call 618-634-2297, ext. 970132.
