Public health is strengthened by safe firearm storage

The Orange County Board of Supervisors (Board) Chair Doug Chaffee announced on November 4, 2026, that the OC Free Gun Lock Program is transitioning to the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) to become a permanent, year-round initiative.

Originally established on December 3, 2024, funded by $25,000 Fourth District Discretionary Funds, the initiative provides Orange County residents with free gun locks to support safe firearm storage. To date, the program has provided over 1,200 gun locks to residents across 30 cities across the County. The program addresses the need for safe firearm storage solutions, reduces the risk of accidental injury, death, suicide, and firearm theft, and promotes awareness of safe storage best practices and California gun laws.

“Safe firearm storage saves lives,” said Chair Chaffee. “By embedding the OC Free Gun Lock Program into the Health Care Agency, we are turning a successful local pilot into a permanent, countywide resource. This program remains entirely voluntary, respects the rights of lawful gun owners, and ensures our veterans, families, and high-risk individuals have access to life-saving safety tools without barriers.”

Under the leadership of the HCA, free cable gun locks will be accessible year-round through several dedicated community channels. HCA is embedding safe storage distribution directly into its mental health outreach and suicide prevention campaigns, while establishing targeted partnerships with local veteran support services. Additionally, gun locks will be distributed in collaboration with non-profit organizations and public health and safety events across Orange County.

“Each year, preventable firearm-related incidents devastate families and communities across California and the nation. By promoting safe firearm storage, programs like the Gun Lock Program help reduce risk, prevent tragedies, and strengthen public safety throughout Orange County,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of the OC Health Care Agency.

“As a trauma and critical care surgeon, I have seen firsthand the impact firearm injuries can have on individuals and families. In the trauma injury world, we know the best way to treat a traumatic injury is to prevent it from happening in the first place. The Gun Lock Program helps individuals and families take an important step toward protecting themselves and their loved ones.” Said Dr. Almaas Shaikh, HCA’s EMS Medical Director.

The program is part of Supervisor Chaffee’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety. During his term, he has hosted four Anonymous Gun Buybacks, which allowed residents to safely dispose of unwanted guns and receive gift cards in return. The events resulted in a total of 1,393 firearms, including 99 assault weapons, collected. Participants also had the option of taking home free gun locks that were offered. Additionally, Supervisor Chaffee allocated $150,000 of his Fourth District Discretionary Funds to support the Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS) operated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which removes firearms from individuals who are prohibited from owning them.

For more information or to request a free gun lock, email James Kim at jameskim@ochca.com

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Orange County Chair Doug Chaffee represents the Fourth District, which includes the Cities of Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton, portions of Anaheim, and unincorporated communities.