Effectiveness of the Asking Saves Kids gun violence prevention campaign in an urban pediatric clinic

PURPOSE Gun violence is a leading cause of injury deaths in children in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that “the absence of guns from children’s homes and communities” is the most effective means to prevent firearm injuries in children. Bright Futures guidelines recommends that pediatricians provide gun safety education to caregivers beginning in infancy. However, few pediatricians provide this important injury prevention education. The Asking Saves Kids (ASK) campaign, promoted by the AAP, encourages caregivers to ask if there is a gun where their child …