SANTA FE – New Mexico has launched a statewide multi-media campaign to raise awareness about two tools for reducing gun violence: free gun locks available through the New Mexico Department of Health and the state’s Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order law.
The campaign, developed with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, uses advertising to reach gun owners and families who may be unaware that both resources exist and are free to access.
“The goal with both gun locks and the protection order is to save lives,” said Alexander Cutler, program coordinator with NMDOH’s Office of Injury and Violence Prevention. “Removing access to firearms either through gun locks or for a short time from a potentially dangerous situation can give someone the chance to focus on the positive and find the resources they need.”
Since September 2023, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has distributed more than 88,746 free gun locks to ensure gun owners can keep firearms safe within their own homes. Gun locks are a proven, evidence-based method to reduce firearm deaths and unintended injuries, particularly in homes with children or individuals in crisis.
Gun locks can be requested through NMDOH’s online form, by calling the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or by texting NMDOH (66364).
New Mexico’s Extreme Risk Firearm Protection Order (ERFPO) law, signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in 2020, allows law enforcement and family members to petition a court to temporarily prohibit a person in crisis from possessing or purchasing firearms. A judge reviews the facts and determines whether a temporary order is warranted. The New Mexico Department of Justice offers ERFPO training for law enforcement, non-profits and other community groups. Click here for details on requesting a training session.
More information on ERFPOs and safe firearm storage practices can be found online by visiting the Safe Storage New Mexico and the New Mexico Courts ERFPO webpage.
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