Your Opinion: Unite to oppose concealed gun bill

Dear Editor:

I'm writing today regarding HB 1936, which could be voted on by the Missouri House any day. This law would allow citizens to carry loaded, concealed guns inside hospitals, churches, universities, private schools, daycare facilities and bars. Law enforcement, teachers, ministers, doctors and nurses are speaking out against this bill. We have to all speak up, this is not OK!

As a retired nurse, I know that hospitals are high-stress environments. Often visitors are in a state of shock, and their stress hormone levels are high. Clear thinking is clouded by shock. I have worked in emergency rooms and critical care environments and have dealt with the fear and rage that can ensue. I do not want hospital staff, who have difficult jobs already, to work with an additional burden of having to worry if there may be loaded guns present as well.

Missouri is second to the last place in the USA for our high number of unsafe gun provisions (Mississippi being the worst). This law puts us one step closer to being the worst. Way to go, legislators! Fellow citizens, please speak out against this bill, talk to your communities, and most importantly your elected officials. I have recently joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America to join the fight against gun violence. There are many ways to get involved!