June is Gun Violence Awareness Month

Published on June 03, 2025

A gun with a padlock around the trigger.

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month. Gun violence is a pressing public health and safety issue in Bexar County with lasting impacts on individuals, families, and entire communities.

Metro Health’s Violence Prevention Strategic Plan(PDF, 426KB) priority areas include:

Violence Among Youth
Gun Violence
Sexual Violence
Domestic Violence

Violence Prevention

Violence prevention is injury prevention and requires collaboration. This is a core function of public health and what public health is designed to do. From domestic abuse to gun violence, the impact goes beyond physical harm.

Violence affects mental health, increases chronic disease risk, and strains our healthcare systems. Prevention is possible. By addressing root causes like poverty, trauma, and inequality, we can build safer and healthier communities.

Research indicates that effective gun violence prevention requires a comprehensive approach involving collaborations among various sectors, including:

Public health
Law enforcement
Community organizations
Educators
Elected officials

Learn more about a Public Health Approach to Community Violence Prevention.

Community-Based Strategies

Community-based strategies, such as Stand Up SA, can help reduce gun violence by building trust within communities.

By integrating this strategic framework, the health department seeks to:

Create a unified, community-driven effort to prevent gun violence.
Ensure the well-being of the San Antonio and Bexar County community.
Promote a public health perspective that recognizes gun violence as preventable.

Keep Guns Away from Children: Firearms are now the leading cause of death for people under 20. Safe storage is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unintentional injuries and deaths.
Keep Guns Out of Conflicts: Emotions run high during arguments, but access to a firearm can turn a moment of anger into a lifelong tragedy.
Do Not Leave Guns in Vehicles: Stolen firearms from unlocked cars often end up used in crimes. Don’t make it easy - secure your firearm and help keep our neighborhoods safe.

Celebratory Gunfire

Celebratory gunfire, firing guns into the air during festivities, is not only illegal in Texas but also extremely dangerous. Stray bullets can seriously injure or even kill people, as well as cause extensive property damage. Learn more about Celebratory Gunfire.