Big Waves Inc. Creates Ripples of Positivity with Adams County Health
Big Wave's mission is to advocate for gun sensibility and safety by encouraging honest, respectful conversations within our families, communities, and government agencies to implement collaborative, common-ground measures to eliminate the tragic outcomes associated with gun violence. We also aim to enrich kids' lives through the sport of water polo, including, but not limited to, encouraging school districts to include water polo as a school-sponsored program and providing collegiate scholarships to deserving athletes.
In December 2023, we partnered with Adams County Health Department on gun safety to help prevent gun fatalities in our Colorado communities.
Gun Violence is a Public Health Problem
Adams County Child Fatality Review Team, otherwise known as CFR, conducted case-specific, retrospective reviews of infant, child, and youth (ages 0-17) deaths that occur in Adams County due to various causes. CFRT reviews are based on a public health approach and are designed to examine the circumstances surrounding child deaths to understand the risks to the public better, as well as identify prevention measures to protect our communities.
Every day, at least 327 people are shot across the US. In 2023, 42,967 people died in the US from gun-related injuries. For every individual who dies by firearm, more than two survive, often with expensive long-term mental and physical injuries. On average, over 83,000 people survive firearm injuries each year.
In Adams County, the CFRT began reviewing the data in May 2023, by December of that year the team reviewed a total of 36 fatalities due to undetermined natural causes, injury, violence, motor vehicle accidents, child maltreatment, sudden unexpected infant death, drug overdose, and suicide. The results showed that regardless of the cause of death or specific circumstances, there are children in Adams County whose death from a weapon could have been prevented.
In 86% of deaths, a handgun was identified as the type of weapon, and it was not stored securely.
After the review, the CFRT team determined safe storage of firearms and more access to affordable gun safety resources as their top recommendation to protect the community.
As a result, in December 2023, Adams County hosted a community outreach event in partnership with the Adams County police department, Big Waves, justice system representatives, and health department clinics. During the event, we distributed over 660 cable locks and educated the community on how to store firearms safely.
The event not only educated the community but also acted as a catalyst for sparking conversations, raising awareness, and empowering our community members to take proactive steps toward gun safety.
A special shout-out to Lina Stanchev, RN, MS, Jamie Rodriguez, MPH, Michael Ruddock Adams County Health Department, who created posters, organized the event, and more.
A Ripple of Positivity
Our partnership with Adams County Health Department reflects Big Waves Inc.'s mission of advocating gun sensibility and the belief that every action, no matter how small, can create a ripple of positivity.
Let’s Make Big Waves Together!
Learn more about our mission, upcoming events, or to make a donation. Let's make waves together to create a safer, more positive future for our communities.