(OCTOBER 20, 2022) Abby Beerman, M.P.H., education instructor in medicine and injury prevention coordinator at the University of Vermont Medical Center, commented in an article by The Other Paper on a national firearm access and safety movement—guns are the leading cause of death for children in the United States.

Thousands of leading hospitals and prominent health associations nationwide—including the University of Vermont Health Network and the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital—are uniting in a nationwide public awareness and education campaign that encourages parents, grandparents, families, and community members to be mindful about gun safety, including asking about gun access and safety measures in the houses of children’s friends.

“Firearms pose a risk to our communities, especially our children. If we come together, there is so much we can do to keep everyone safe and protected,” Beerman said.