Bexar County seeks partners for gun safety initiative

Bexar County officials are inviting community-based organizations to apply for funding to help support programs aimed at promoting gun safety and education.

Two-minute impact

According to a news release, county officials seek to understand the full impact of gun-related injuries and deaths on local communities by launching a gun safety and education initiative.

Local organizations have from July 12-Sept. 12 to apply for up to $5,000 in one of three programs to help handle an initial phase of gathering input on perceptions and awareness surrounding firearm safety and education.

County officials said a second phase of this effort will focus on using the feedback to craft an outreach plan to address specific needs identified in Phase 1. A separate round of applicant funding is planned for Phase 2.

Put in perspective

According to the organization Everytown Research and Policy, firearms were the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teenagers in 2022.

However, county officials said more discourse about gun-related suicides, unintentional discharges, and thefts from improperly stored and locked firearms is needed to discuss solutions.