May 30, 2008

On Saturday, June 21, 2008, parents and organizations around the country will celebrate National ASK (Asking Saves Kids) Day.

ASK Day raises awareness about the injuries and death caused by unintentional gun violence toward children and reminds parents about the importance of asking if there are guns in the homes where their children play. It is held annually on the first day of summer, a time of year when children play more often in other homes.

The focus of this year's ASK Day will be "One Simple Question, Thousands of Reasons to ASK" -- a reference to the single question that could save thousands of children's lives from senseless gun tragedies.

Data released in 2005 by Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, show that nearly 1.7 million children in America live in a home with a loaded, unlocked gun.

The most recent data from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention show:

• Eight children are killed by guns each day -- almost 3,000 kids a year.
• Another 37 children are wounded with guns each day -- more than 13,000 a year.

Parents ask all sorts of questions to protect their children when they go play at the home of a friend, neighbor or caregiver. But there is one important question that more than half of parents say it never even occurred to them to ask: “Is there a gun in your home?”

If the answer is no, that is one less thing to worry about. If the answer is yes, parents are urged to ensure that the guns are stored locked and separate from ammunition, preferably in a gun safe.

Mat releases, print ads, radio and TV PSAs, and more information are available. To arrange an interview with a mom whose child has been affected by unintentional gun violence, please email colleen@paxusa.org.  ASK Day information is online at www.askingsaveskids.org

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In 2008, PAX/Real Solutions to Gun Violence celebrates ten years of providing all Americans with solutions to keep their families, schools and communities safe from gun violence.