GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - November is the month many Wisconsinites enjoy holidays and traditions, including the popular hunting season. For many families, hunting can be a fun and bonding activity that boosts well-being and connects them to the outdoors; however, it carries significant responsibilities, particularly when firearms are involved. The Wisconsin Office of Childrens Mental Health (OCMH) emphasizes the importance of safe firearm storage to prevent injuries, specifically youth suicides. In their recent Data Bite publication, troubling statistics highlight the role firearms play in youth self-harm. Research shows that 8 in 10 children who die by firearm suicides obtain access to the weapon from a family member (79%). Alarmingly, 76% of firearms used in school shootings also come from family homes. Linda Hall, the director of the OCMH, declares, Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens. We must all take steps to protect Wisconsins children. This call to action stresses that everyone has a role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the youth, particularly around hunting season. Families are encouraged to critically evaluate their circumstances regarding firearm ownership. Should a firearm be kept in the home? If so, effective storage solutions should be employed. Gun safes are considered the gold standard for safe firearm storage, while trigger locks or cable locks can also provide an added layer of security. Many healthcare providers even offer such locks for free, pushing forward preventative measures for accidents involving children. Policymakers are urged to consider legislation that mandates secure firearm storage, a proven strategy in enhancing gun safety. Strengthening Child Access Prevention laws can penalize adults who fail to secure firearms properly, thus limiting access for children. Involving health care professionals, especially those who frequently interact with children, can significantly change perceptions and initiatives geared toward responsible firearm ownership. A universal screening process integrated into routine health check-ups can identify at-risk youth and address firearm safety proactively. In this vein of proactive steps, programs like CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) are instrumental. Highlighted in OCMH's recent Showcasing Solutions publication, CALM works to reduce the risk of suicide among youth by increasing the physical and temporal distance between at-risk individuals and firearms, which are identified as the common method of suicide. Hundreds of Wisconsin healthcare practitioners have been trained on the CALM method, reflecting an important intersection between health and safety regarding firearms. As November progresses, it's notable that November 22 marks International Survivor of Suicide Loss Day. This observance provides a poignant moment not only to comfort those affected by suicide but also to discuss preventative strategies that can spare others from the pain of loss. Hall stresses these common-sense approaches to ensure the safety of Wisconsins children, advocating for community-wide commitment to proactive measures. As families prepare for the upcoming holidays and hunting seasons, prioritizing the safe storage of firearms is not merely a recommendationit is an imperative. Ensuring that guns are secured is a meaningful step toward protecting minors and promoting long-term well-being.