Securely storing firearms in Illinois clinics to protect kids
Official title: Implementing A Secure Firearm Storage Program in Illinois Health Centers in Partnership with AllianceChicago and the Illinois Primary Health Care Association
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11387650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new program in Illinois health centers will help families store firearms safely by offering free cable locks and clinician guidance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $636,179 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR021291-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Families with children who visit participating community health centers in Illinois.
✕Less likely to help
Families who do not own firearms or choose not to participate may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will adapt and implement a proven secure firearm storage program in community health centers that serve diverse populations. It builds on a successful prior trial and uses clinician training, EHR prompts, and facilitation to increase uptake of secure storage practices. Families will receive a brief talk about storage and be offered free cable locks during pediatric visits. The study will measure how well clinics deliver the program and how it affects safe storage behaviors over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more families will store firearms securely, reducing the risk of firearm-related injuries among children.
How similar studies have gone: Recent large trials showed strong uptake of the program after training and support, suggesting meaningful potential for similar settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beidas, Rinad Sary — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Beidas, Rinad Sary
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.