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Firearm Safety

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Public Health's Role in Firearm Safety

Firearm injuries impact families and communities across Oregon. Most fatal firearm injuries are suicide deaths, which affect every community in Oregon, including people living in rural areas and service members, veterans and their families Nonfatal firearm injuries- including those treated in emergency departments, hospitals, and by first responders- are most often unintentional or assault-related, and their effects extend beyond those injured to their families and communities. The Oregon Health Authority's Injury and Violence Prevention section works to prevent these losses by tracking data, sharing information, and working with communities, the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes, veteran organizations, and local and state partners. Our goal is to support prevention efforts that respect individual rights, save lives and protect communities. 

The context in which firearm injuries occur are captured in the social-ecological model, a public health framework used to help understand the multiple overlapping individual, relationship, community and societal factors that affect health. This includes interpersonal violence as well as unintentional and firearm suicide. This comprehensive approach is critical to identifying prevention and reduction strategies that are effective, have a sustainable impact, and address health disparities.  Diagram of the Social-Ecological Model showing four nested circles connected at the bottom, from outermost to innermost, society
Examples of prevention and risk reduction strategies across the levels of the social-ecological model include: 

Societal: Policies, laws and cultural norms: Provide economic supports to ensure household financial security 

Community: Places where people live, work, learn and enjoy free time: Provide secure firearm storage opportunities in the community 

Relationship: Connection to family, friends, peers and other social networks: Provide community training to identify people who may be at risk of suicide and how to respond effectively 

Individual: Personal characteristics and history: Enhance problem-solving skills and life skills including conflict resolution 

Firearm-related violence affects overall health and community wellbeing and perpetuates cycles of harm. These impacts also carry a large financial cost. In 2024, the total charges for hospital and emergency department care related to firearm injuries in Oregon was over $48 million. Medical costs are only part of the picture as the CDC estimates that the value of Oregon lives lost for 2023 (most recent year available) was over $6 billion.



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Oregon House Bill 4045 defined community violence as an intentional act of interpersonal violence committed in public by someone who is not the victim’s family member or intimate partner. The Oregon Health Authority’s Injury and Violence Prevention and Medicaid Programs are supporting development of sustainable programs to help communities break the cycle of community violence.

In 2023, OHA received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to seek Medicaid reimbursement for Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) services. Oregon currently has one approved provider delivering trauma-informed, long-term case management to victims of community violence following injury. HVIPs are shown to reduce retaliatory violence, re-injury, and recidivism.

The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI) serves as the national training and certification partner for HVIP services in Oregon.  

Under Oregon House Bill 4045, OHA is leading communities of practice to strengthen and expand HVIP services statewide, with the goal of achieving HVIP implementation across all communities.

​Suicide remains a persistent, pervasive and yet largely preventable cause of death. Many people in the U.S. believe that most firearm deaths are homicides, however the data show otherwise. In Oregon, firearms are used in over 55% of suicides and suicides account for approximately 80% of all firearm-related deaths.  

  • The suicide rate for Veterans is significantly higher than for other Oregon populations.
  • Oregon rural and remote (frontier) counties have higher suicide rates than urban counties.
  • Males are three times as likely as females to die by suicide. 

The high percent of firearms deaths that are suicides is also seen in other Western states, including Alaska, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. 

ShapeOregon tracks violent deaths through the Oregon Violent Death Reporting System (OR-VDRS). The data include deaths by age, sex, and county, and trends over time. 

Common risk factors for firearms suicide identified in OR-VDRS include:

  • Mental illness and substance abuse 
  • Previous suicide attempts 
  • Interpersonal relationship problems or poor family relationships 
  • Recent criminal legal problems or school problems 
  • Exposure to a friend or family member's suicidal behavior​​ 
  • Physical health problems among elder people 

Policies that encourage secure storage, both in and outside of the home, and reducing access to firearms can support suicide prevention efforts. Putting time and distance between someone thinking about suicide and accessing a firearm can save lives. Research indicates the interval between deciding to act and attempting suicide can be as short as 5 to 10 minutes. Secure storage of firearms includes storing firearms locked in a secure place (e.g., in a gun safe or lockbox), unloaded and separated from ammunition.  

This work needs to be done in partnership with organizations and those individuals who own firearms to understand cultural considerations and ways to support individuals at risk of suicide voluntarily removing access to their firearms in times of crisis. Interventions to limit access to firearms for those at risk of crisis, such as Extreme Risk Protection Orders, can be tools to support individuals who may be at risk of suicide.

Learn more on OHA’s suicide prevention efforts, including firearm suicide, on the OHA Suicide Prevention webpage​. On this webpage, refer to the Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan, Adult Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan, and annual progress reports for more information.

Fatal Firearm Deaths in Oregon

In Oregon in 2023, 641 people died from a firearm (15.1 deaths per 100,000 persons). 

These deaths include: 

489 from suicide (76%) 

131 from homicide (20%) 

4% other (unintentional, undetermined, legal intervention)


For more up to date information, please visit our Center for Health Statistics data dashboard​. 

Non-Fatal Firearm Deaths in Oregon

In Oregon for 2024, there were 692 hospital or emergency department firearm related injury admissions (nonfatal). 

The nonfatal firearm injuries are: 

432 Unintentional related firearm injuries (62%) 

183 Assault related firearm injuries (26%) 

53 Self-harm or suicide attempt related firearm injuries (8%) 

4% other (undetermined, legal intervention) 

For the non-fatal emergency department admissions or hospitalizations, 80% of all Oregon resident firearm-related injuries were in an urban county- consistent with the approximately 80% of the state’s population that lives in urban areas. 

Total firearm-related charges alone for only hospital or emergency department admission care was over 48 million dollars in 2024.  

The Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists recently adopted, through an extensive review and consensus process, a position statement defining firearm-related injury. OHA staff led this effort. This statement and associated appendices provide detailed resources jurisdictions can use for reporting firearm related injury and its impact. The statement and methods are at: https://www.cste.org/page/PositionStatements (24-Inj-01 for Year 2024) and related CDC details are here:
https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/injuries-related-to-firearms/. 


CDC’s WISQARS (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System) provides state, regional and national information (interactive visualizations and tables) on fatal, non-fatal and cost of injury data including firearms (https://wisqars.cdc.gov/​) 


Fact Sheets

Firearm deaths Oregon and USA.pdf

Firearm deaths by Oregon County.pdf​

CD Summary: A new approach to preventing firearm deaths, 2017​

​Oregon Firearm Safety Coalition(OFSC): The Oregon Firearm Safety Coalition (OFSC) mission is to prevent firearm suicides in Oregon through voluntary community-led strategies. OFSC will remain nonpartisan, mission driven coalition that does not seek to mandate behaviors or restrict the Second Amendment Right to bear arms. Rather, we seek to give Oregon firearm owners the resources, information, and skills to support themselves and their loved ones in preventing suicide. 


Oregon Department of Veteran’s Affairs (ODVA): OHA and ODVA work together in suicide prevention efforts for veterans, service members and their families. See the ODVA Veterans in Crisis webpage for more information.  

Portland Opportunity Industrialization Center (POIC): The Healing Hurt People Program within POIC serves as Oregon’s only Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) provider, supporting victims of community violence who receive care at Emanuel and OHSU hospitals. In addition to providing HVIP services, POIC offers a range of community safety initiatives which are outlined on their website.

Oregon Health and Sciences University Gun Violence Prevention Research Center. The Center is collaborating with OHA on several projects:
  • Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) Research: Check out the fact sheets examining use of ERPO in Oregon and research on interviews with professionals involved with ERPO implementation.
  • The Oregon Firearm Injury Data Dashboard: presents information that describes the impact of firearm injury in Oregon, including the frequency of injury by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and geographic location.  

Oregon Department of Education School Safety and Prevention​: The Safe & Inclusion Schools Team focuses on the comprehensive School Safety and Prevention System centered in equity, racial equity, and access to mental health services. We envision school safety as access to culturally responsive mental health services and support through the implementation of a prevention system that fosters learning environments where all students thrive because they are supported in their identity and feel they belong.


This free course is designed to help primary care physicians and other types of health care providers working in rural settings develop better communication skills, comfort, and confidence when having conversations about firearm safety with patients who are suicidal. This course is specific to firearm safety and does not focus on other methods of suicide. The course is approved for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. This course also meets Oregon Health Authority Cultural Competence Continuing Education requirements for Chiropractor, Counselor/Therapist, Emergency Medical Service Provider, Home Care Worker, Long Term Care Administrator, Massage Therapist, Midwife, Naturopathic Doctor, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Physician (MD/DO), Psychologist, Social Worker, and Speech-Language Pathologist/Audiologist.   
  

Based on research with rural Oregonians who own firearms, this brochure provides framing for individuals that own firearms who may be at risk of suicide. By using imagery and language informed by individual that own firearms, the brochure uses approachable communication for when an individual may want to consider temporarily removing firearms from the home during periods of increased risk   
  

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop to examine the roles that health systems can play in addressing the epidemic of firearm violence in the United States. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.  


Reducing access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication, can determine whether a person at risk for suicide lives or dies. This course focuses on how to reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. It covers how to: (1) identify people who could benefit from lethal means counseling, (2) ask about their access to lethal methods, and (3) work with them—and their families—to reduce access. This course is designed for health care and direct service providers. Approved for NASW and MHACBO CEs. Approve for American Academy of Family Physicians CME.   

​American Academy of Pediatrics 
Gun Safety Campaign Toolkit


American Medical Association Trainings


Nearly 40,000 Americans die of firearm-related injuries each year, and another 85,000 survive nonfatal gun-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Medical Association has declared firearm-related violence a public health crisis.  


American Psychological Association Trainings​


This introductory workshop focuses on the epidemiology of firearm violence and suicide, social determinants of health, risk assessment for firearm-related harm, and prevention strategies for mental health care providers. The presenters discuss specific clinical scenarios and interventions for risk reduction, as well as firearm policy relevant to mental health providers and researchers. Participants gain an understanding of the most current and rigorous scientific evidence regarding risk identification and interventions for reducing firearm injury and suicide. ​ 

How to Talk To Your Patients About Firearm Safety 



  • Oregon Department of Justice Task Force on Community Safety and Firearm Suicide Prevention​:  Established during the 2024 legislative session, the purpose of the Task Force is to coordinate with the Department of Justice, the Oregon Health Authority, sheriff departments that provide for voluntary storage of firearms, federally recognized Indian tribes in this state, faith-based groups in this state and the Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide to study best practices for reducing deaths from community safety threats and for suicide prevention. The Task Force brings together representatives with diverse experiences and areas of expertise to accomplish this purpose. The Task Force issued a legislative mandated report on Sept. 2025 with findings and policy suggestions related to suicide and firearm deaths.

Basic Firearm Safety Tips

  • Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
    If you don’t know how to check if a gun is loaded, leave it alone and get help from someone who knows how to check.
  • Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
    A "safe direction" means if the gun accidentally fires, it will not cause injury or damage. Only point a gun at an object you plan to shoot.
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
    If you are moving around with your finger on the trigger and trip or fall, you could pull the trigger by accident. Sudden loud noises or movements could also startle you and cause you to pull the trigger by accident.
  • Know your target, its surroundings and beyond.
    Check that the areas in front of and behind your target are safe before you shoot. If the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it could hit a person or object. Identify the target and make sure it is what you plan to shoot. If you are in doubt, don’t shoot!
  • Know how to properly operate your gun.
    Never assume that what applies to one type of gun is exactly the same for a different make or model. If you have questions about your gun, ask your firearms dealer or contact the manufacturer directly.
  • Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use.
    Use a firearm safety device on the gun, like a trigger lock or cable lock, so it can't be fired. Store it unloaded in a lock box or a gun safe. Store your gun in a different location than the ammunition.

Also, Keep in Mind...

  • Never handle a gun when you are feeling angry or depressed.
    Your judgment may be impaired.
  • Guns, alcohol and drugs don't mix.
    Alcohol and any other substance that can impair your normal mental or physical functions should not be used before or while handling guns. Don’t handle or use your gun when you are taking medications that make you sleepy or that include a warning to not operate machinery while taking this drug.
  • Never shoot a gun in celebration.
    A bullet fired into the air will return to the ground with enough speed to cause injury or death.
  • Do not shoot at water, or at flat or hard surfaces.
    The bullet can ricochet and hit someone or something other than the target.
  • Hand your gun to someone only after you make sure it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open.
    Only take a gun from someone after you make sure it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open.
  • Always wear ear and eye protection when shooting a gun. The loud noise from a fired gun can cause hearing damage. Debris and hot gas can be released when a gun is fired and injure your eyes.

*Adapted from the State of California Department of Justice​​​


Note: The information below is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. This information was last updated: February, 2026.

  • Background checks: The Oregon State Police conduct Firearms Background Checks on persons attempting to purchase a firearm (ORS 166.412) from all Federally Licensed Firearms dealers in Oregon through the Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) Unit. Learn more on background checks, limitations and conditions for sales of firearms, identification requirements, disqualification information and more on the Oregon State Police FICS Unit website.
  • Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO): Oregon’s ERPO law went into effect on January 1, 2018 (ORS 166.525 to 166.543). The law allows family or household members or a law enforcement officer to petition a civil court for an order to temporarily restrict a person’s access to a deadly weapon (including firearms) if the court determines that the person is at imminent risk of causing harm to themselves or others. The petitioner must meet a burden of proof requiring “clear and convincing evidence” for the petition to be approved. An ERPO typically extends for 1 year. Forms and instruction on how to request an ERPO, challenge forms and motion to terminate can be found on the Oregon Judicial Branch website.
  • Securing and storing firearms: ORS 166.395 requires an owner or possessor of a firearm shall, at all times that the firearm is not carried by or under the control of the owner, possessor or authorized person, secure the firearm: with an engaged trigger or cable lock; in a locked container; or in a gun room. A firearm is not considered secure if left unattended in a vehicle and is within view of persons outside the vehicle. A violation is a Class C violation. If a minor obtains an unsecured firearm as stated in ORS 166.395 then it is a Class A violation.
    • ​There is no requirement for secure storage if a gun owner is alone at home or with others allowed to use the gun.
    • Use of a gun within two years of a violation of the law allows the injured party to bring a civil lawsuit against the owner. 
    • A gun transfer that requires a criminal background check prior to the transfer also requires transfer of the firearm with a trigger lock or in a locked container (ORS.166.400).
    • ORS.166.405 requires gun dealers to post in a prominent location a notice, in block letters not less than one inch in height, that states, “The purchaser of a firearm has an obligation to store firearms in a safe manner and to prevent unsupervised access to a firearm by a minor. If a minor or unauthorized person obtains access to a firearm and the owner failed to store the firearm in a safe manner, the owner may be in violation of the law." 
  • Possession of a firearm in public buildings: It is a violation to have a loaded or unloaded firearm, including individuals with a concealed handgun license, in the State Capitol, in the terminal of a commercial service airport with over one million passenger boardings per year or on school ground (ORS 166.370).
    • ​School districts, local governments and other public entities can adopt ordinances limiting possession of firearms in public buildings. This includes the authority to limit or preclude the affirmative defense for concealed handgun licenses (ORS 166.370 and 166.173).
  • Prohibited possessors under federal law and state law ORS 166.250 include:
    • ​Stalking or domestic violence convictions
    • Domestic abuse restraining orders
    • Involuntary commitment or found mentally incompetent in court
  • License to carry a concealed handgun: County sheriffs must issue a concealed handgun license (CHL) to any requester who meets requirements in ORS 166.291, unless “the sheriff has reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant has been or is reasonably likely to be a danger to self or others, or to the community at large.” (ORS 166.293).
  • Minimum age to purchase or possess a gun: Oregon law prohibits anyone under age 18 from possessing a gun unless possession would otherwise be lawful and (1) the gun is not a handgun and was transferred with the minor’s parent’s consent, or (2) the minor possesses the gun temporarily for a lawful purpose (ORS 166.250).
  • Measure 114: In 2022, Oregon voters approved Measure 114 that includes:
    • ​Prevents the sale or transfer of magazines with more than 10 rounds of ammunition
    • Completed background checks, permits and firearm safety trainings before purchasing guns  

Due to state and federal legal challenges, Measure 114 has not taken effect. During the 2025 Oregon legislative session, Senate Bill 243​ paused implementation of the law until March 2025 to allow time to resolve remaining legal questions.
  • Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) do not:
    • ​Include safety standards for firearms;
    • Limit the number of rounds in a magazine except for hunting;
    • Require licensing or safety training before buying or possessing a firearm. 
  • Rapid Fire Activators: Senate Bill 243 (2025) criminalizes unlawful transport, manufacture or transfer a rapid fire activator in Oregon if the person knowingly transports a rapid fire activator into this state; or manufactures, sells, offers to sell or transfers a rapid fire activator. Moreover, a person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a rapid fire activator if the person knowingly possesses, purchases or receives a rapid fire activator. There are exceptions for some peace officers, others employed by a law enforcement agency, and persons who have registered a machine gun in accordance with federal law and the rapid fire activator is possessed for use only in, and is necessary for the proper function of, the lawfully registered machine gun.

Crisis Lines

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text 988

Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis
Llama, envía un mensaje de texto o chatea 988

Veteran Crisis Line
Call or Text 988, Press 1 or text 838255

Oregon County Crisis Hotlines

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 Featured Data

The Oregon Violent Death Reporting System includes firearm data and an interactive data dashboard.

Oregon Firearm Injury Surveillance Through Emergency Rooms uses Oregon ESSENCE data to monitor firearm injuries across the state. The data on this dashboard broadens our understanding of the burden of firearm injuries in Oregon. The Oregon Injury Prevention Dashboard shows firearm-related deaths, hospitalizations and emergency department admission as well as other injury indicators. This includes demographic and county-specific information.