WHAT IS ASK?
ASK (Asking Saves Kids) is a public health initiative that was created in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Based on the frightening fact that over 40% of homes with children have a gun (many of these unlocked or loaded), the campaign encourages parents to simply ASK: "Are there guns where my children play?"

WHY ASK?
Research tells us that hiding guns and even talking to children about the dangers of guns is not enough. Kids are curious and if they find guns, they are likely to play with them. ASK gives parents a tool that they can employ immediately to make their children safer. ASK materials even provide real-world tips on how to start what can seem like an awkward conversation.

HOW IS THE ASK MESSAGE SHARED?
Of course, the message is spread every day as individual parents make a commitment to begin asking this life-saving question. However, on a larger scale, the ASK Campaign is about combining the power of existing community partnerships and grass-roots education and outreach with a nationally renowned mass media campaign. This is the strategy that is being employed in Portland and we are very optimistic about the results.

About the ASK Campaign