Columbia, MD — In a collaborative effort to prevent firearm-related suicides and other tragic accidents, the Howard County Health Department, in partnership with the Howard County Library System, Howard County Police Department, and the VA Maryland Health Care System, launched an initiative to distribute free gun locks to residents.
Since mid-May, gun locks have been available at the Elkridge and East Columbia branches of the Howard County Library System. This initiative is designed to increase access to safe firearm storage solutions in trusted, convenient community locations—making it easier for families and individuals to secure firearms and reduce the risk of harm.
"Firearm-related suicides are a public health crisis—and a preventable one," said Dr. Maura J. Rossman, Howard County Health Officer. "From 2019 to 2023, over one-third of all suicide deaths in Howard County involved a firearm. We know that securely storing firearms—especially during times of mental health crisis—can save lives. Providing free gun locks is a small but powerful step in protecting our community."
"One suicide is one too many. Unfortunately, fire-arm related suicides account for more than one-third of all suicide deaths in Howard County. However, it has been proven that safe storage of firearms reduces the risk of suicide and unintentional injury," said County Executive Calvin Ball. "I applaud the Howard County Health Department for this safety initiative that will keep all of our residents safer. The use of firearms is a constitutionally protected right that we must respect with common sense approaches like this gun lock program."
According to a 2020 study published in JAMA Network Open, delaying access to a firearm during a suicidal crisis can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fatal outcome. Gun locks serve as a critical barrier, creating time and space between a moment of impulse and a tragic decision.
To date, almost 200 gun locks have already been distributed across the County. In addition to suicide prevention, the initiative also seeks to reduce accidental shootings, particularly among children and adolescents who may access unsecured firearms in the home.
“This partnership aligns with our strategic plan to create an inclusive, connected community where everyone feels they belong. That is critically important because the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 report Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolationnoted social connection as one of the strongest protective factors against self-harm and suicide. By making gun locks available in libraries, we increase access to safe firearm storage solutions in trusted, convenient locations—making it easier for families and individuals to ensure their firearms are secure thereby reducing the risk of harm.” said Tonya Aikens, President and CEO for Howard County Library System.
Community member and library employee Jen Drell added “My son would have been thirty years old this year, and every day I wonder if he had just taken thirty more seconds to think it through- maybe if he had seen something that reminded him that there are people to turn to and resources available- maybe he would have made a different choice instead of ending his life. Offering gun locks is a positive step that may save the life of another mother’s child. That’s why I’m so pleased that the Library is partnering with the Health Department to make these available. Because one life saved not only saves that person, but also their family.”
"Safe firearm storage is the number one way to help prevent firearms accidents, theft and misuse," said Police Chief Gregory Der. "In law enforcement, we see firsthand the tragedies that can occur when a gun is not properly stored. We support this important effort by the health department to make gun ownership safer in Howard County homes."
“We give gunlocks to our Veterans because we know they work,” says Nikole Jones, LCSW-C A, Lead Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the VA Maryland Health Care System. “A gunlock is a simple device, but when someone is feeling suicidal, the time it takes to unlock it can be an effective deterrent. It gives you time to think about the impulse of suicide. I’ve personally spoken with Veterans who can attest to that time being enough to curb their thoughts of harming themselves.”
Community members do not need to provide identification to receive a gun lock. Walk-ins are welcome at the participating library branches, while supplies last.
Gun Lock Pickup Locations:
- Elkridge Branch Library – 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075
- East Columbia Branch Library – 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045
For more information on safe firearm storage, suicide prevention resources, or mental health support in Howard County, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/health/free-gun-locks.
To watch a livestream of the event, go to https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CCxdexJ58/
For photos of the event visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/hocolibrary/albums/72177720327160594/ (courtesy of Howard County Library System).