National Issues
National Issues
With our dedicated volunteers and advocates, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund works to pass legislation that keeps kids safe in their schools, homes, and communities. Join us now to make change at the state and federal level to prevent gun violence and keep our students safe.
Gun Violence in America
Gun violence continues to be one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States through suicide, homicide and mass shootings, and accidental shootings.
Despite this reality, gun violence is not inevitable. State and Federal policy solutions are on the table right now. Passing them can prevent this reality and create safer schools, homes, and communities.
Accidental Shootings
When children have easy access to firearms, it often results in devastating tragedies. While many households do securely store their firearms, many states have no requirement for the secure storage of firearms when they’re not being used.
Firearms that are not securely stored can be used in accidental shootings, suicide, or can be stolen and used in a crime.
Mass Shootings & Homicides
Homicide was the largest single category of gun deaths among children and teens in 2021, accounting for 60% of the total that year. 1
Loopholes in state and federal law make it easy to access firearms – including highly lethal weapons. These weapons can take more lives in a shorter amount of time. As access becomes easier, the firearms on the market are also becoming deadlier and more lethal.
Suicides
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people 10-24 years of age in the United States (US) and rates have been rising for decades2. In fact, two-thirds of firearm deaths are suicides (adults). In 2021, 54% of all gun-related deaths in the U.S. were suicides (26,328)3. Firearms are the most lethal means of suicide.
Students lack mental health support and tools in their schools, homes, and communities Youth suicide is a growing epidemic. 32% of firearm deaths in youth are suicide1. Often, there is inadequate funding or state requirements for suicide prevention for students.
Learn About National Issues
Safe Firearm Access
Children deserve to be safe and free from gun violence. With the right policies in place that ensure firearms are used safely and legally, we can prevent tragedies.
Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund is working to expand background checks on firearm sales, pass extreme risk protection orders, create safe storage laws, and institute high-capacity magazine limits. These policy initiatives, in addition to expanding access to violence prevention programs, can ensure more children are safe from violence.
Youth Safety
Violence prevention education programs train students to identify when their peers may be exhibiting warning signs of hurting themselves or others and teach them how to seek help. Legislation that supports these programs can ensure more students in states across the country have access to evidence-informed training.
Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund is passing policies that require states to train students on social isolation prevention, suicide prevention, and violence prevention at-large to keep students safe.
Mental Health
Keeping children safe also means supporting their emotional and mental well-being.
The Action Fund works to expand access to life-saving mental health services and support for students, including suicide prevention training, and school-based care.
Taking care of the whole child, both in physical safety and mental wellness, allows students to have supportive school environments and can reduce the risk of violence towards self or others.
Community Change
Supporters like you are part of a nationwide movement to end gun violence. When you take action in your schools, homes, and communities, you’re helping create a country where guns are no longer one of the top killers of children. With your involvement, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund brings people together to create change. Our bipartisan approach creates a real community – regardless of party or where you live, your voice is essential to building a safer country together.