ABOUT
- Our work
  - descriptionWashington CeaseFire is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our federal EIN number is 91-1692840. To see an abbreviated history of our work, click here.
- Our Board
  - decsriptionThe Board of Washington CeaseFire is comprised of dedicated volunteers from all walks of life who are concerned about the impact of gun violence in our society. We share the goal of creating safer homes, schools, and communities by advocating for common sense reforms and cultural change with respect to firearms. Washington CeaseFire is an organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and Board membership is open to anyone willing to work together to achieve these goals.
- Contact
  - descriptionFor inquiries and general information, the quickest way to contact Washington CeaseFire is via email at info@washingtonceasefire.org.
    You can also leave a voice message at (206) 416-0655 (please allow 2 to 3 business days for a response to your voice message). Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 77052, Seattle, WA 98177
PROGRAMS
- Gun Free Zone Program
  - The Washington CeaseFire Gun Free Zone program
  - Why are Gun Free Zones important?
    - descriptionResearch shows that the presence of firearms increases the risk of firearm-related violence from suicide, homicide, or accidental shootings. People have the right to advocate for their personal safety, and the safety of their families, by choosing to spend time in gun-free environments, whether at home or patronizing gun-free businesses.
  - Other Gun Free Zones
    - descriptionFirearms are not permitted in hospitals, bars that serve alcohol, schools, federal offices or buildings, courthouses, and many other private businesses.
  - How can a business become a Gun Free Zone?
    - descriptionSend an email with your contact information to us at info@washingtonceasefire.org.
      In the subject field put Gun Free Zone Application. We will reach out to you with more information. There is no cost to participate in Washington CeaseFire’s Gun Free Zone program.
- Firearm Injury Prevention Educators
  - High School Presentations
    - descriptionGun violence is the number one cause of death nationally for the 0-18 age group, yet students are not typically provided with facts or information about this public health issue, nor are they taught strategies for protecting themselves and their families. Washington CeaseFire believes that education is a critically important ingredient to a successful campaign to reduce firearm injuries. Firearm Injury Prevention Educators have taught thousands of high school students how to decrease their risk of gun injury. To request a presentation, send an email to info@washingtonceasefire.org with your contact information, or contact Gregory Engel MD MPH FAAFP directly at (206) 963-6915.
  - Testimonials
    - descriptionSince 2017, Firearm Injury Prevention Educators have presented to over 6,000 students across Washington State, to universally positive feedback from students and educators alike.
  - School Curricula
    - descriptionWashington CeaseFire is working with school districts to incorporate firearm-related harm reduction strategies into the standard high school health curriculum.
- ASK (Asking Saves Kids)
  - descriptionUnlocked and loaded firearms increase the risk of unintentional injury or death for infants and children. The goal of the ASK program is to normalize conversations about firearms in social situations. Just as parents often ask about food or pet allergies when their children are having playdates, it is equally important to ask about the presence of firearms. Asking if firearms are present, and if so, whether they are securely stored, can prevent accidental deaths or injuries among children.
EVENTS
- Washington CeaseFire 5k Run/Walk
  - About the Walk / Run
    - descriptionThe annual Washington CeaseFire 5K Walk / Run is a fun and healthy opportunity for families and people of all ages and abilities to come together to show solidarity and support for the gun violence prevention movement. The event is held every autumn at Seattle’s Green Lake Park, and participants can walk, run, or roll around the lake at their own pace!
  - REGISTER
    - descriptionTickets for the Walk / Run can be purchased by searching Eventbrite.com for the Washington CeaseFire 5K, or through the www.WashingtonCeaseFire.org website.
      Note that registration and ticket sales typically go live each Spring.
- Day of Remembrance
  - decsriptionAt our annual Day of Remembrance event every autumn, the community plants daffodil bulbs to commemorate victims of gun violence. When the flowers bloom in the Spring, they are a bittersweet reminder of past tragedies, but also a sign of optimism and better days ahead.
- Commemorations and Rallies
  - descriptionCheck the www.WashingtonCeaseFire.org website for information about rallies or commemorative events.
- Wear Orange
  - descriptionWashington CeaseFire participates in Wear Orange events every June. More information at: https://wearorange.org
- Past Events
  - descriptionSee highlights of some of our past events at: www.WashingtonCeaseFire.org/events-news/
GET INVOLVED
- What can you do?
- Join our mailing list
DONATE

Select Page

Gun Violence Facts and Figures

FIREARMS ARE UBIQUITOUS

Civilians own 393 million firearms, more than one for every adult and child living in the U.S. (Small Arms Survey, 2018)
In 2017, Washington State had the 11th highest number of active concealed carry permits in the country: 578,299 (Guns to Carry)
In 2017, 10% of adults in Washington State had a concealed carry permit. (Guns to Carry)

FIREARMS ARE A PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARD

In 2020, firearm injuries killed 43,536 people, an average of 120 per day in the U.S.
Americans are 10 times more likely to die from firearm injury than people in any other developed country (CDC, 2015)
More deaths resulted from firearm injuries than motor vehicle accidents (CDC, 2015)
Firearm injuries are the 3rd leading cause of death for children (Am. Academy of Pediatrics 2017)
4.6 million children live in homes in which at least one firearm is stored loaded and unlocked. (The New York Academy of Medicine 2018, Firearm Storage in Gun-Owning Households with Children: Results of a 2015 National Survey)
States where it is easier to obtain a concealed weapons permit have significantly higher rates of total, firearm-related, and handgun-related homicide (American Journal of Public Health, 2017)

WASHINGTON STATE IS NOT IMMUNE TO FIREARM-RELATED VIOLENCE

In 2019, Washington ranked 15th highest amongst all states in death rate per 100,000 residents due to firearms (CDC)
Total number of deaths in Washington State resulting from firearms in 2019: 842 (CDC, represents a 27% increase since 2010)
From 2008 through 2017, 6,711 people were killed with firearms in Washington State, of which 5,122 people died by gun-related suicide, meaning a gun suicide occurred every 17 hours (Center for American Progress)
From 2014 through 2018, there were 18 mass shootings in Washington State. A total of 36 people were killed and 48 were injured (Center for American Progress)

CDC = U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A mass shooting is defined as a single incident resulting in 4 or more victims

The Gun Free Zone program is voluntary, and to date over a hundred businesses have participated. Businesses interested in joining the Gun Free Zone program can contact Washington CeaseFire at info@www.washingtonceasefire.org.

GunfreeZone-decal