Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), in partnership with Brady: United Against Gun Violence and the Ad Council, has launched a new phase of its “Pause to Heal” campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about Firearm Restraining Orders (FROs), also known as “extreme risk laws” or “red flag laws,” which are civil orders that temporarily prevent individuals in crisis from purchasing or possessing firearms.

Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of FROs in reducing firearm injuries and deaths, public knowledge remains limited. According to a study by the Ad Council, only 10% of Illinois residents are familiar with these orders. Research indicates that extreme risk laws can significantly reduce suicides involving firearms, as shown by data from Indiana where one suicide was averted for approximately every ten orders enforced.

FROs can be requested through a civil process initiated by family members, household members, or law enforcement officers. If granted, these orders temporarily block individuals showing signs of intending harm from accessing firearms. The process is designed to provide time and space for those in crisis to recover.

“Firearm restraining orders are effective public health solutions that improve public safety,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “IDPH is proud of the Pause to Heal Campaign and its ability to provide Illinoisians with information on how to help a friend or loved one in crisis. IDPH is excited to continue our collaboration with Brady and Ad Council to relaunch this campaign and take it to the next level with these new public service ads.”

Brady President Kris Brown stated, “Widespread awareness of Firearm Restraining Orders is crucial to ending family fire and freeing America from gun violence. This uniquely American epidemic can only be quashed if we are all aware of resources to protect our loved ones. By sharing information in accessible ways, we can empower families and community members to prevent tragedies and save lives.”

Three new video PSAs have been produced for this campaign by director Deborah Riley Draper and her company Coffee Bluff Pictures. These dramatizations are based on real stories involving extreme risk laws and show how filing an FRO can pause potentially deadly situations.

"It was a profound honor to direct the 'Pause to Heal' campaign, inspired by the powerful journeys of actual people navigating difficult situations and the friends and family who chose to intervene with an act of courage and love,” said Deborah Riley Draper. “These stories demonstrate in a deeply moving way how filing a Firearm Restraining Order is both a resource and a compassionate step that affords someone in crisis the time needed to heal."

The PSAs will appear across various media platforms throughout Illinois, directing viewers to Illinois.gov/PauseToHeal for further information. Recent campaigns have resulted in increased engagement; last year’s efforts led around 40,000 visitors to the website, along with greater recognition of the campaign among residents.

Michelle Hillman, chief campaign development officer at the Ad Council, commented: “We’re honored to continue collaborating with IDPH and Brady in the second year of our ‘Pause to Heal’ campaign. Leveraging the collective experience and expertise of the Ad Council, IDPH and Brady, this public-private partnership uniquely reaches Illinoisans where they are. Our powerful creative drives real impact, raising awareness of the importance of FROs so Illinoisans can understand the various tools available to them to best protect their communities.”

This effort complements other ongoing initiatives such as "End Family Fire," which promotes secure gun storage as an evidence-based approach for preventing gun violence nationwide (https://endfamilyfire.org/). In addition, local work includes distributing free gun locks across Illinois—measures intended both for accident prevention among children who might find unsecured guns at home and for reducing intentional shootings.

For more details about Firearm Restraining Orders in Illinois, visit https://illinois.gov/PauseToHeal.