Firearm Safety and Crisis Intervention Grant Successfully Completed

North Fork EMS is proud to announce the successful completion of our Firearm Safety and Crisis Intervention Grant, funded by the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP).

Making a Difference

Our program provided free gun safes, ammunition storage boxes, trigger locks, and crisis intervention information—all distributed with guaranteed anonymity. The overwhelming community response demonstrated the critical need for accessible firearm safety resources in our area.

As we stated from the beginning: if one lock prevents one death, it is worth it.

North Fork EMS remains committed to creating a healthier, safer community through prevention programs and community health initiatives.

Impact on Our Community

Through this initiative, North Fork EMS served approximately 612 families across Delta County and surrounding areas, providing free firearm safety equipment and crisis intervention resources.

Key Findings:

• 76% of families receiving equipment had children living in or frequently visiting their homes
• 40% of participants stated they could not afford safety equipment on their own
• 22% were previously unfamiliar with local or national crisis resources

Program Success

Thanks to the generous support of local agencies and community volunteers, we exceeded our original goals by distributing 34% more inventory and crisis intervention materials than initially planned. This was made possible through donations and partnerships with organizations including Hotchkiss Police Department, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, Paonia Police Department, Delta Police Department, West Elk Clinic, Paragon, and Hotchkiss Fire.