Press Release
☷U S Department of Education Issues New Resource for School Administrators on Importance of Safe Firearm Storage
U.S. Department of Education ( By Press Release office)
Jan 26,2024
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Storing firearms safely is a super important way to prevent gun violence in schools , homes , and communities . To spread the word about this important strategy , the REMS Technical Assistance Center , funded by the Department of Education , is releasing a new resource for schools to talk to parents about the importance of safe firearm storage . First Lady Jill Biden , Education Secretary Miguel Cardona , and Gun Violence Prevention Director Stef Feldman will also be having a chat with school principals at the White House to stress the importance of safe firearm storage and the role educators can play in preventing gun violence . Secretary Cardona says that keeping guns locked up and stored safely is one of the best ways to protect our kids and prevent tragedies . The resource that ' s being released today can help principals and district leaders talk to parents and communities about safe firearm storage . By spreading awareness about this , we can reduce the chances of weapons ending up in the wrong hands and save families and communities from heartbreaking incidents . It ' s also important to note that exposure to guns can have a negative impact on students ' mental health . That ' s why the Biden - Harris Administration has provided funding for safe and supportive learning environments , increased access to mental health services in schools , and strengthened the availability of mental health professionals in communities that need it the most . These investments are meant to provide preventative support and keep students safe and healthy . The importance of proper firearm storage guidance comes right after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ( CMS ) announced around $50 million in new grants , made possible by BSCA , for states to improve and expand the use of school - based health services through Medicaid . These grants will provide up to $2 . 5 million each to as many as 20 states , allowing them to enhance access to mental and physical health services in schools . Secretary Cardona and U . S . Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter to states this week , urging them to utilize this new funding to ensure that more schools are offering mental and physical health services , benefiting more children . These grants have the potential to connect millions of American children to crucial healthcare services , particularly for mental health . The work on safe firearm storage is part of a broader effort led by the newly established White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention , emphasizing the importance of this preventive strategy in communities nationwide . This work builds upon significant actions taken by the President and this Administration to address the gun violence epidemic through BSCA . These actions include funding to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing deadly weapons , enhanced background checks for buyers under 21 , and new funding for successful violence prevention initiatives in communities . Expanding on what we ' ve already done , earlier this month , the Department also announced $6 . 4 million in new Project Prevent awards to implement strategies in communities and schools to prevent and reduce the impacts of community violence , as well as address the effects of exposure to it . These investments support the President ' s Mental Health Strategy , which is a top priority in his Unity Agenda to address the mental health crisis in our schools . Additionally , the funding for mental health aligns with the Administration ' s ongoing focus on its Raise the Bar: Lead the World initiative .
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