Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) advocates for firearm safety policies and programs that both protect our communities and respect the Second Amendment.

Jon Blankenship

New Data Dashboard Reveals Firearm Tragedies Cost Tennessee Billions

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First-of-its-Kind Tool Maps Economic and Human Toll Across All 95 Counties

Tennessee State County Map

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A landmark partnership between Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) and the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Boyd Center), has produced a new interactive dashboard revealing the staggering toll of firearm injuries and deaths in the state. 

The data, recorded by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Department of Health, shows these tragedies cost the state’s economy an estimated $3.6 billion in 2023 alone, up from $2.74 billion in 2017 (the last year in which comparable data is available).The economic impact is driven primarily by the value of lost life, which includes lost wages, but also associated medical costs and law enforcement response to firearm tragedies.

The dashboard provides policymakers and the public with a localized look at firearm-related deaths and injuries across every one of Tennessee’s 95 counties. 

Matt Harris, Ph.D., the Boyd Distinguished Professor of Health Economics at the Boyd Center and co-creator of the dashboard, said that Tennessee is worse than the national average and near the bottom 10 in firearm death rates.

“Tennessee is a terrific state. We are growing in so many areas, but this is an outcome where our state has struggled,” Harris said. The dashboard highlights a sobering trend: firearm deaths in Tennessee increased by approximately 60% over the ten-year study period. In addition, the average rate of firearm deaths in the state’s urban and rural areas was comparable. 

  • There were 19.1 deaths per 100,000 residents in the state’s rural counties.
  • 20 deaths per 100,000 in the state’s 17 urban counties. 

“Safer TN partnered with the Boyd Center on this initiative because Tennesseans need a way to clearly examine verified data on the impact of firearms in our communities,” said Claudia Huskey, executive director of Safer TN. “We hope the dashboard helps community leaders as they have meaningful conversations about firearm safety because preventable tragedies happen everywhere.”

Key Findings from the Dashboard:

  • Total Economic Impact: $3.6 billion in costs related to firearm injuries and deaths in 2023 alone. These costs, which average $510 total per capita for Tennesseans, include value of lost life, hospitalizations, emergency services, and lost productivity. 
  • A Growing Gap: Tennessee’s firearm death rates (both homicide and suicide) are trending significantly above the national average, with the disparity widening annually.
  • Rural vs. Urban Dynamics: While firearm homicides are more concentrated in large metropolitan areas like Memphis and Nashville, firearm suicides are more prevalent in Tennessee’s rural counties.
  • Data Integration: Developed by the Boyd Center, the tool utilizes only verified data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Department of Health.

Explore the Data

The interactive dashboard allows users to explore heat maps, analyze time trends, and perform side-by-side county comparisons.

To explore the data dashboard, visit tiny.utk.edu/firearms.

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee: Safer TN is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with nearly 35,000 supporters in all 95 counties, committed to firearm safety efforts that protect our communities and respect the Second Amendment.

About the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research: Located within the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Boyd Center conducts independent economic research to inform public policy and business decisions in Tennessee and beyond.

Erlanger Children’s Hospital Providing Free Firearm Safety Resources to New Parents

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Erlanger plans to distribute approximately 2,600 cable locks and safety cards by the end of 2026.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Erlanger Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN), is now providing firearm safety information cards and free cable locks to every parent of babies born at the hospital, helping families make secure storage part of baby-proofing the home.

“With a toddler at home, and then with a newborn who becomes a toddler in the blink of an eye,  we absolutely think secure storage is necessary,” said Chattanooga mom Hallie Haley. “I think it’s one of the crucial parts of babyproofing the house. It’s actually the most important part.”

Pediatric trauma surgeon and Safer TN board member Dr. Dave Bhattacharya said the goal is to make secure storage as routine as using a car seat or installing cabinet locks.

“[Accessing a firearm] may not be an issue right now while your child is in the bassinet,” said Dr. Bhattacharya. “But as they start crawling and walking, there are opportunities for them to be safer.”

Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States, and Tennessee ranks third in the nation for accidental shootings by children, with victims most often children themselves.

Erlanger plans to distribute approximately 2,600 cable locks and safety cards by the end of 2026.

Voices for a Safer Tennessee partnered with the hospital and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to supply the locks and educational materials. 

About Erlanger Children’s Hospital
Erlanger Children’s Hospital, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, provides comprehensive pediatric care to families across the region and is committed to advancing child health through prevention, education, and clinical excellence.

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Safer TN is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with nearly 35,000 supporters in all 95 counties, committed to firearm safety efforts that protect our communities and respect the Second Amendment.

Soundbites included at this link:

Hallie Haley, Chattanooga mom

0:12 “With a toddler at home, and then with a newborn who becomes a toddler in the blink of an eye,  we absolutely think it’s necessary and think it’s one of the crucial parts of babyproofing the house. It’s actually the most important part.”

0:10 ”I think it’s wonderful that they give them to you, that you can take them home, and that then you can use them immediately in the first week. As you’re babyproofing your home and thinking through everything, it’s a perfect thing to do.”

0:10 “It’s great for new parents. It makes it on the forefront of their mind when maybe they’re thinking about everything else. If it’s in your hands and in your home, you know that you’re going to put it into place and make use of it.”

0:12 “Please do it. You don’t want to not do it, and then regret it for the rest of your life. Voices for a Safer Tennessee is making it easier, and making it better for all the families involved,

just like us.”

Dr. Dave Bhattacharya, Erlanger Children’s Pediatric Trauma Surgeon

0:10 “It may not be an issue right now while your child’s in the bassinet, but as they start crawling and walking and interacting with other people and interacting with your home there are opportunities for them to be safer.”

0:12 “It’s very similar to the other health initiatives that we do for newborns — making sure that your child’s in a safe seat, making sure that you have a home safety plan, and part of your home safety plan is making sure that your firearm is locked up.”

0:11 “Encountering an unsecured firearm in the home is one of the most dangerous things your children can do. As you may know, it’s the number one cause of death in the United States for children under seventeen.”

Safer TN Tracker | 3.10.26

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Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is rolling out new tools and initiatives to help you stay informed and engaged during this legislative session.

From a new bill tracker on our website to text message alerts and expanded community outreach, we’re working to make it easier for you to stay connected to our work across Tennessee.

In the coming weeks, we’ll also begin sharing opportunities to volunteer at events across the state. Here’s what we’re tracking right now.

#1 What We’re Tracking: New Bill Tracking Tool on Our Website

From Safer TN Policy Advisor Jennifer Hellmer

We’re excited to launch Safer TN’s new Legislative Spotlight section on our Advocacy website. This tool provides a snapshot of the bills we are tracking and engaging with during the current session.

  • Support: Safer TN’s lobbyists are actively working to help pass these bills.
  • Oppose: Safer TN’s lobbyists are actively working to stop these bills.
  • Monitor: We are reviewing these bills and may move them into “support” or “oppose” as more information becomes available.

So far, there has been limited movement on firearm legislation, as many bills have been deferred or are still awaiting committee hearings. We expect more activity in the coming weeks.

While many proposals relate to community safety, Safer TN remains focused on our key priorities: background checks, temporary transfers, secure firearm storage, and legislation impacting school safety.

We’re working closely with our lobbyists and Board to determine the best strategy for each bill. As a member of our coalition, you play an important role. We’ll continue sharing updates and will reach out if specific legislation would benefit from outreach to lawmakers.

#2 What We’re Tracking: Safer TN Now Has Text Messaging

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In the coming weeks, you may receive a text message from Safer TN. These messages will share updates about events in your area, volunteer opportunities, and other important information related to our work.

We will not send frequent messages, and you can opt out at any time. If you receive a message from an 833 number, it is from us and not a scam.

If you’d like to get started now, you can opt in by filling out this form. We’re excited to start connecting with you in this new way!

#3 What We’re Tracking: Expanding Cable Lock and Hospital-Based Education

Safer TN has partnered with two hospital systems to distribute firearm safety information cards and cable locks to parents of newborns. This effort was recently highlighted in local news coverage in Chattanooga, helping raise awareness about the importance of secure firearm storage for families across Tennessee.

Secure storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent unintentional shootings, youth access to firearms, and firearm theft. Providing parents with simple tools and information helps ensure firearms are stored safely — protecting children and reducing the risk of tragedy.

This effort continues to grow. In the coming months, we expect to expand distribution into additional hospitals, healthcare providers’ offices, and other settings where families can access important firearm safety information. Stay tuned.

#4 What We’re Tracking: More Events Than Ever

Safer TN is on track to participate in more events this year than ever before, especially with the addition of our coalition coordinators in East Tennessee, Southeast Tennessee, and West Tennessee.

This work is critical. We are focused on reaching voters across Tennessee, so that when the time comes, we can mobilize people to contact their lawmakers about firearm safety measures.

You can help. Soon we will begin posting volunteer sign-ups for events across the state.

In the meantime, if you’d like to get involved, please email Katy Dieckhaus, our Community Engagement Coordinator, to let her know you’re interested. You can also reach out directly to your region’s coalition coordinator.

West Tennessee: Lauren Fortenberry
Southeast Tennessee: Emily Holden
East Tennessee: Nycole Gentry

Other upcoming events include:

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Safer TN Tracker | 2.24.26

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Tennessee ranks third in the nation for accidental shootings by children. These are incidents in which a child gains access to a loaded firearm and unintentionally shoots themselves or someone else. Over the past two weeks alone, multiple incidents involving children accessing unsecured guns have made headlines, underscoring the urgent importance of secure storage.

Safer TN will soon launch a section on our website outlining the bills we support, oppose, and are monitoring. Because legislation can change significantly through amendments, we will notify you as soon as the tracker is live and will continue to provide updates as bills evolve. These stories, and more, are what we’re tracking this week.

#1 What We’re Tracking: Legislative Update — Major Firearm Bills Delayed, Amendments Expected

From Safer TN Policy Advisor Jennifer Hellmer

Several bills Safer TN is tracking were scheduled for committee hearings last week; however, most were deferred to a later date. We also reviewed newly drafted amendments and anticipate that additional amendments will be introduced in the coming weeks. Amendments can range from technical corrections to substantial rewrites that significantly alter a bill’s scope and intent.

Of particular note, HB 2064, which received media coverage, was deferred to March 4 in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. The bill proposes multiple changes to existing firearms statutes, including a provision that would allow individuals convicted of stalking and misdemeanor domestic violence offenses to have their firearm rights restored after five years. We anticipate that an amendment may be filed and will continue to closely monitor the bill’s progress.

This week, the House is focused on budget matters, with no additional committee hearings scheduled, allowing members to concentrate on fiscal priorities. The Senate, however, continues to meet in committee. We will share any updates as they become available.

#2 What We’re Tracking:  Shootings Across the State Highlight Tennessee’s Ongoing Challenge

a young girl looks in a drawer

The past two weeks have brought heartbreaking news across Tennessee. From an accidental shooting in East Tennessee that claimed the life of an 8-year-old to a loaded gun found in a Middle Tennessee middle school student’s backpack, one issue connects both incidents: secure storage.

Secure storage means firearms are unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition.

It’s also important to remember that when your child goes to a friend’s house — or when your child is babysitting — it’s okay to ask whether firearms are present and how they are stored. These conversations can feel uncomfortable, but they save lives.

We have tools and conversation guides on our website to help you start that discussion. You can find those resources here.

#3 What We’re Tracking: Did You Know? Rural Residents Are More Vulnerable to Firearm Death

Suicide Geography Map

Rural Tennesseans are more likely to die by firearm than residents in metro areas. While cities may experience a higher total number of shootings, the rate of firearm death — meaning the statistical likelihood of dying by firearm — is higher in rural communities.

This disparity is largely driven by higher rates of firearm suicide and more limited access to immediate trauma care and medical infrastructure. In Tennessee, rural residents die by suicide at a rate 1.2 times higher than those living in metro areas, with East Tennessee experiencing the highest rates in the state.

Understanding where risk is highest helps us focus prevention efforts where they are most urgently needed. In fact, the Tennessee Department of Health has recommended that state agencies and local organizations partner with Safer TN because of our nonpartisan, safety-focused approach to firearm education and prevention.

#4 What We’re Tracking: New On Our Event List: Old Crow Medicine Show

Safer TN has just secured a table at the Old Crow Medicine Show concert at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville on March 20. 

We’ll be there with firearm safety resources and free cable locks. We’re grateful to Safer TN Advisory Board Member Ketch Secor for the invitation and are excited to connect with East Tennesseans at this iconic venue.

Other upcoming events include:

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Safer TN Tracker | 2.9.26

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We hope your family is recovering from Winter Storm Fern. While much of the state was spared from widespread outages, some residents in Middle Tennessee are still without power. We are thinking of those continuing to deal with debris, downed lines, and the storm’s aftermath.

Lawmakers returned to the state Capitol last week. In this Tracker, we cover their return, introduce a new team member, and share a few upcoming ways to get involved with our organization.

Thank you to the nearly 300 supporters who completed our communications survey! Based on your feedback, The Tracker will arrive Tuesday mornings starting with the February 23 issue.

#1 What We’re Tracking: The Bill Filing Deadline Has Passed. Now What?

From Safer TN Policy Advisor Jennifer Hellmer

The legislature returned last week and the bill filing deadline has now passed. Our policy team is actively reviewing all legislation connected to Safer TN’s priorities. We look forward to sharing a list of bills we’re tracking in the coming weeks, along with a dedicated section on our website where you can follow legislative developments.

Something to note: our review list will likely evolve throughout the session. Bills are often amended in ways that can significantly change their impact on community safety. Among the topics we’re reviewing: property owners’ rights related to firearms, secure storage policies, and proposed changes to Tennessee’s firearm permitting laws.

The General Assembly operates on a two-year cycle, with sessions beginning in January and typically running through April or May. We are now in year two of the 114th General Assembly. Some bills are carryovers from 2025, while many others are newly introduced.

#2 What We’re Tracking: Meet Lauren – Our New Voice for West Tennessee

Lauren Fortenberry
Lauren Fortenberry

We are thrilled to introduce Safer TN’s newest team member, West Coalition Coordinator Lauren Fortenberry!

A Trenton native, Lauren understands the heartbeat of West Tennessee. She grew up in a family of outdoorsmen and agricultural leaders, giving her a unique, grounded perspective on our mission to promote firearm safety.

Lauren joins us from the nonprofit sector, where she managed membership, led community engagement, and coordinated events for the Mississippi Poultry Association. Throughout her career, she has focused on building bridges and expanding educational opportunities.

“I am excited to draw from my Tennessee roots and nonprofit experience to advocate, educate, and help build safer communities in West Tennessee,” says Lauren.

Lauren will focus on strengthening community partnerships and ensuring our resources reach every corner of the region. A Mississippi State alumna, she lives in her hometown of Trenton with her husband, their son Louie, and their two Scottish Terriers, Emma and Angus. Please join us in welcoming her to the Safer TN family!

#3 What We’re Tracking: On the Road, Plus Volunteer Opportunities!

Even through winter weather, Safer TN has continued to travel across the state to share resources and connect with communities about firearm safety. Last week, we attended the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association Conference.

Connecting with law enforcement is essential to our work. Sheriffs and deputies are on the front lines and bring valuable insight into safe firearm use, secure storage, and community education. Many expressed interest in continuing to partner with us on efforts to prevent firearm tragedies and improve public communication around safety. We also want to congratulate the winner of our gun safe drawing, Robertson County Sheriff Mike Van Dyke.

Upcoming events include:

#4 What We’re Tracking: Did You Know? — Tennessee By The Numbers

Tennessee tops several lists no state wants to appear on, including:

  • There have been more than 100 mass shootings in the state over the past five years — roughly one every other week.
  • Tennessee leads the nation in firearms stolen from vehicles.
  • We rank third in the U.S. for unintentional shootings by children, and most victims are themselves children.
  • Tennessee is in the top 10 nationwide for firearm homicides.
  • Our firearm suicide rate is 50% higher than the U.S. average, with rural Tennesseans most impacted. Our veteran suicide rate is 34% higher than the national average.

What helps reduce risk?

Secure storage. More than half of firearms in homes with children are not stored securely. Research shows most children know where firearms are kept, and many school shootings involving minors involve guns taken from relatives’ or friends’ homes. Encouraging secure storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental shootings, theft, and suicide. Read more on our Resources page here.

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