By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Public health and police leaders will tell you gun violence has become a public health problem.

To that end, the Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Public Health are working with the Ad Council and the anti-violence group Brady on a campaign called “Pause to Heal.”

It’s about a “firearm restraining order,” by which you can separate, say, a family member from his or her gun temporarily if that person is a danger to themselves or others.

“Firearm restraining orders, along with ‘clear and present danger’ reporting – which is another risk-reduction tool – are proactive measures that can reduce instances of gun violence,” state police director Brendan Kelly told an online news conference. “Through the use of these tools, we have prevented suicides and violent crimes from taking place by removing firearms before something tragic happens.”

A public service announcement, beginning with a woman telling a man, “I spoke to Mom and Dad. We don’t think you should have a gun right now,” has debuted on television stations around the state.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].