Perspectives on Firearm Storage Conversations: Summary of Health Care Provider Interviews and Parent Focus Group

Authors

Rachel M. Gallo MPH, University of Southern Maine, Catherine Cutler InstituteFollow

Files

Description

This report summarizes perspectives from Maine parents who own firearms and health care providers on safe firearm storage and related conversations in health care settings. Through interviews and a parent focus group, the project explored how firearms are stored, what influences storage decisions, and how families and providers feel about discussing firearm safety. Parents emphasized the importance of responsible ownership, education, and individualized storage solutions, while identifying cost as a key barrier to safer storage options. Many health care providers expressed interest in addressing firearm safety but cited limited time, lack of training, and concerns about patient trust as challenges. Both groups agreed that nonjudgmental, fact-based discussions focused on safety are essential. The findings highlight opportunities to strengthen firearm safety efforts in Maine through tailored training for providers, community-based education, and improved access to secure storage resources.

Publication Date

11-2025

Publisher

Data Innovation Project

City

Portland, Maine

Keywords

Public Health Prevention, Firearm safety, Data Innovation Project, Health Care, Youth Prevention

Disciplines

Art and Design | Digital Humanities | Education | Graphic Design | Interdisciplinary Arts and Media | Statistics and Probability

Comments

 Produced by the Data Innovation Project on behalf of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition and the Maine Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics

Recommended Citation

Gallo, Rachel M. MPH, "Perspectives on Firearm Storage Conversations: Summary of Health Care Provider Interviews and Parent Focus Group" (2025). Publications. 16.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/dip_publications/16