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About IDPH

About

Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Call or text 988. Chat at 988lifeline.org. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.

Firearm Safety-Related Public Awareness Campaigns

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) was tasked with creating two firearm-safety related public awareness campaigns. One campaign was to promote the awareness of firearms restraining orders and the other was to increase awareness of safe gun storage. The overarching goal for both was to decrease the number of firearm-related injuries and death.  Based on the common goal, a single campaign was developed so there was a shared firearm safety message.  The campaign was a result of the following public acts.

Firearms Restraining Order Awareness

Part of the Firearms Restraining Order Awareness Public Act 102-0345 tasked IDPH, subject to appropriations or other available funds, to conduct a program to promote awareness of firearms restraining orders to the general public. The program was required to include the development and dissemination, through print, digital, and broadcast media, of public service announcements that publicize the firearms restraining order. As outlined in the law, the program was to include, but not limited to:

  1. dissemination of information, either online or with an in-person pamphlet, of the options people have to seek assistance using a firearms restraining order and the process in which to file one;
  2. production of materials that can be given to health care workers that assist in identifying people who may benefit from awareness of the Firearms Restraining Order Awareness law; and
  3. specific information on circumstances in which a firearms restraining order may be appropriate, such as with situations of domestic violence, a mental health crisis, or anyone who is at risk of injuring themselves or others. 

Safe Gun Storage Public Awareness Campaign

The Safe Gun Storage Public Awareness Campaign Public Act 102-1067 tasked IDPH, subject to appropriation, to develop and implement a comprehensive two-year statewide safe gun storage public awareness campaign. The campaign was divided into three phases. One phase included the creation of a statewide messaging strategy to develop research-based, culturally appropriate messaging for awareness of gun safety, reducing access to lethal means, and encouraging safe storage. The campaign must include formats, such as paid advertising on Chicago Transit Authority trains, bus stops, billboards, digital or social media campaigns, radio, and other public education and outreach.