Following encouraging results from its first and second cohort, the Store It Safe (SIS) Program is expanding its reach across Indiana and is now accepting registrations for its third cohort. Anyone interested should sign up for more information. 

The collaborative initiative between the Indiana and Ohio chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) equips pediatric practices with evidence-based tools to address firearm safety and suicide prevention during routine patient care. The program focuses on two tracks—adolescents and young children—and trains physicians to screen for depression and suicide risk while counseling families on the safe storage of firearms and other lethal means.

Participants receive instruction on evidence-based screening tools, guidance on discussing lethal means restriction with families and access to a virtual reality platform that allows providers to practice counseling techniques in realistic clinical scenarios.

Since launching in Indiana in spring 2025, the program has engaged 16 pediatric practices and 109 pediatricians and pediatric care providers. Early outcomes from the first cohort demonstrate significant improvements in both screening practices and physician confidence.

Participating practices completed 3,939 depression screenings and 3,775 suicide screenings during the program’s first year. Screening for suicidality increased from just 3% during baseline months to 63%, while discussions about restricting access to lethal means rose from a 6% baseline to as high as 56% before stabilizing at 46% by the end of 2025.

The program has also translated education into action. Between July and December 2025, providers distributed 289 firearm lockboxes directly to patients during well-child visits, giving families an immediate tool to improve safe firearm storage at home.

Provider confidence improved across several key areas after completing the program. Participants reported a 61% increase in confidence discussing and recommending the safe storage of lethal means, a 38% increase in developing safety plans with patients and families and a 35% increase in providing appropriate follow-up care for patients identified as being at risk.

The results suggest the program is helping normalize conversations about firearm safety and suicide prevention in pediatric settings while providing physicians with practical skills and resources to intervene before a crisis occurs.

As the program enters its third cohort, organizers hope to expand participation throughout the state, particularly in southern Indiana, where additional pediatric practices are needed. By bringing more practices into the initiative, SIS aims to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and help protect more Indiana children and families through evidence-based care.