Suicide Prevention and Firearms
Last week I shared a link to an article at Ammoland.com about Levi’s Strauss’s commitment to gun control. One commenter asked, “Actually the CEO is pro 2A and just wants to do something about gun violence. Are you all for gun violence? What are you doing to reduce it?”
No surprise, you won’t read about our efforts as an industry and as gun owners on Bloomberg.com, Everytown and Mom’s Demand Action websites and social media. The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is just one of the ways. From the NSSF:
Two-thirds of firearms-related fatalities are suicides. In 2017, the National Shooting Sports Foundation partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) with the goal of reducing U.S. suicide rates by 20 percent by 2025. A central part of this initiative is a first-of-its-kind program to educate member companies and the firearms-owning community about suicide prevention.”
The NSSF’s program provides valuable resources for retailers, ranges and even individuals. Videos, the most recent webinar, and a toolkit help educate about the risk factors and warning signs. Coordinated communication through other firearms safety programs help to get the word out. The program addresses how as an industry and as individuals can make a difference and save lives.
With reminders that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Project Childsafe is another true gun safety program by the NSSF. It also encourages gun owners to take suicide warning signs seriously.
Situations in the home can change. If a loved one is going through a tough time, please consider what you can do to keep them safe. Understand the risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, consider how your firearms are stored and learn what steps you can take to help prevent unauthorized access.”
Most importantly, if you or a loved one needs help, do not hesitate to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
- Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – Veterans, please press 1
- Text: HELLO to 741-741
- Chat: CrisisChat.org
