City of Toledo Named American Academy of Pediatrics Ohio Chapter’s Store It Safe Community of the Year

TOLEDO, OH– The City of Toledo has been named Store It Safe Community of the Year by the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) recognizing the City’s commitment to promoting safe storage practices and protecting the health and safety of children and adolescents.

The Store It Safe initiative brings together pediatric healthcare providers, community organizations, public officials, and other partners to promote education and safe storage of firearms. The Ohio AAP launched the Store It Safe in 2015, and the program has expanded its work through provider education, community engagement, safe storage resources, and suicide prevention efforts.

Toledo City Council formally declared its intent to become a designated city in February 2026. The resolution emphasized education, collaboration, and voluntary safe storage practices with the goal of supporting families and reducing the risk of unintentional injuries and firearm related harm among children and teens.

“Keeping our children and our community safe is one of my highest priorities”, said Councilwoman Erin Kramer. “Through the City’s Locks Save Lives program, we are making it easier for families to take a simple but important step towards preventing firearm injuries by providing free gun locks at every Toledo-Lucas County Library branch. I am grateful to our partners who help make this program possible, and I remain committed to working together to build a safer Toledo for everyone”.

This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of City of Toledo leaders, the Lucas County Health Department, Toledo-Lucas County Library, Mercy Health, ProMedica, Ann Arbor VA, and other community-based organizations that are all working to make child safety a priority.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized as the Store It Safe City of the Year”, said Councilman Mac Driscoll. “Councilmembers and city staff have worked hard to focus on responsible gun ownership to reduce the incidents of gun violence in our community. This is not zero-sum game, and we’re honored to be among cities all across Ohio that have made ending gun violence a community priority”.

The City of Toledo is proud to be recognized for its partnership with the Ohio AAP and its continued efforts to support safe, healthy environments for children and families.