Anne Arundel To Offer Free Gun Locks In State's First Pilot Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD — In what authorities said is the first program of its kind in Maryland, Anne Arundel County is offering free gun locks at three libraries in an effort to curb deaths and injuries tied to unsecured firearms.

Two free gun locks are available to adult residents beginning Thursday at the Glen Burnie Library, the Busch Annapolis Library and the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library, a county news release said. Residents should not bring firearms into the library during gun lock pick-up.

“While state law preempts local jurisdictions from imposing certain gun restrictions, this program is one of the ways we are working to save lives by mitigating the risk of gun violence,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman in a statement. “I want to thank the Department of Health and the library system for continuing to find innovative ways to meet the needs of our communities.”

The program is led by the Department of Health’s Gun Violence Intervention Team in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Public Library system, and is the first of its kind in the state.

"Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States," said Dr. Tonii Gedin, acting health officer for Anne Arundel County, in a news release. "Gun violence is a public health issue, not a political one. It is an epidemic that needs to be addressed with research and evidence-based strategies that can reduce deaths and injuries."

According to county information, research shows safe storage reduces the risk of gun violence, unintentional death and suicide.

About 4.6 million children in the United States live in a home with at least one unlocked and loaded firearm, and in 2022 there were at least 353 unintentional shootings involving children, resulting in 156 deaths and 212 injuries nationally.

The Harvard School Of Public Health said studies show that people who died by suicide were more likely to live in homes with guns.

“The library is a trusted community institution where residents can count on accurate information, high-quality educational tools and helpful resources,” said Anne Arundel County Public Library CEO Charles “Skip” Auld in the release. “We are proud to expand our partnership with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health through this important initiative.”

In addition to receiving a gun lock, gun owners will receive manufacturer instructions on how to use the gun lock, and a bookmark with a link to information about safe gun storage, suicide prevention resources and other topics.

Funding for the locks comes from a grant from the Governor's Office of Crime, Prevention and Youth Victim Services.

For more information on the pilot program and other resources, visit www.aahealth.org/GVIT.

Suicide Prevention: If you or anybody you know needs mental health help, call or text 988 for 24/7 emergency support. Additional resources are available at 988lifeline.org and mentalhealth.gov.