Safe Storage Options Unveiled for Rural Michigan Gun Owners

New program aims to promote secure firearm storage and reduce risks for children and teens in rural communities.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Outdoorsman Dustin Milner and other rural Michigan residents have long owned firearms for hunting and self-defense, with a distinct culture around responsible gun ownership. However, research shows children and teens in rural areas are at elevated risk for unintentional injury and suicide caused by firearms. To address this, the University of Michigan and Marquette County Health Department developed the "Store Safely" program to provide tailored tools and resources for rural families to securely store their firearms and prevent firearm-related incidents.

Why it matters

Firearm injury is the leading cause of death for youth in America, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula has some of the highest rates of suicide in the state, driven by firearm suicides. While many rural residents value firearm safety, secure storage is not always a top priority. The Store Safely program aims to promote culturally-sensitive solutions to improve firearm safety and reduce risks, especially for vulnerable youth.

The details

The Store Safely program was piloted with 43 rural families, with 98% engaging with all intervention components. 86% completed a home firearm safety checklist, and 40% reported making changes like purchasing gun locks, safes or lockboxes, separating ammunition from weapons, reviewing current storage practices, and relocating firearms. 80% of participants found the program culturally sensitive and would recommend it to other parents. Researchers found that while firearm safety is a strong community value, just 12% said secure storage was a primary component of firearm safety, with some expressing concerns about quick access for protection or emergencies.

  • The Store Safely program was piloted several years ago.
  • From 2017 to 2020, Marquette County reported 56 suicide-related deaths, 31 of which were caused by firearms.

The players

Dustin Milner

A local outdoorsman who has fond memories of hunting trips with his family in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Cynthia Ewell Foster

A University of Michigan clinical professor of psychiatry who began piloting the Store Safely program in partnership with the Marquette County Health Department.

Sarah Derwin

An employee of the Marquette County Health Department who collaborated with Ewell Foster on the development of the Store Safely program.

Cheryl King

A member of the team that developed the Store Safely intervention.

Christina Magness

A member of the team that developed the Store Safely intervention.

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What they’re saying

“My kids know that if there's a firearm anywhere around, they don't touch them. Most hunters around here that have kids teach them the same concept.”

— Dustin Milner, Outdoorsman

“It becomes more of an available means for kids when they're not doing well. And so I think that's one of the things that our project Store Safely is really meant to focus on is making sure that when kids aren't doing well, that they don't have easy access to such a lethal way to end their lives.”

— Cynthia Ewell Foster, University of Michigan clinical professor of psychiatry

“Just having been born and raised here, I know the importance of hunting and firearms and gun ownership. And that's where the collaboration with the University of Michigan helped us create an intervention that really speaks to our community.”

— Sarah Derwin, Marquette County Health Department

What’s next

With funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Store Safely team is recruiting 600 families in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to participate in the intervention. Interested families can complete an interest form to get involved.

The takeaway

The Store Safely program demonstrates how public health interventions can be tailored to address firearm safety in rural communities where gun ownership is common but secure storage practices may not be a top priority. By working with trusted local partners and using a culturally-sensitive approach, the program aims to empower families to make changes that can reduce the risks of firearm-related injuries and deaths, especially for children and teens.