Safe and secure firearm storage may help prevent suicide, according to a group of U.S. House Democrats, who together, introduced a resolution to bring awareness to the crisis.
An average of 74 people per day die by suicide in the United States, and a firearm was used in more than 50 percent of the deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a 2022 report. Easy gun access increases the risk of death by suicide by 300 percent.
On Tuesday, the House Democrats introduced a resolution to recognize the day as National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day. The goal was to help raise awareness about the growing firearm suicide crisis in the U.S. during National Suicide Prevention Month. By limiting access to guns, those in suicidal crisis have a better chance of surviving an attempt.
“Firearms are the most common method of death by suicide, but we can take steps to help curb those trends,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). “Safe and secure firearm storage will help reduce unintentional and firearm suicide deaths.”
McClellan said the resolution brings attention to the troubling realities of firearm suicide and resolves to educate and promote awareness around safe gun storage.
Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) introduced the resolution.
“The epidemic of gun violence continues to plague communities throughout our country and forever changes the lives of families who have lost someone to gun death. However, the debate surrounding gun safety overlooks the role that guns often play in suicide,” said Congresswoman Brownley.
Brownley said that safe storage of guns is needed to keep children, families, veterans, friends and loved one’s safe in a mental health crisis.
A suicidal crisis usually lasts 30 minutes or less. Removing easy access to lethal means has been proven to save lives.
Veterans and youth are particularly at risk of firearm suicide, with 71 percent of veteran suicide deaths resulting from firearm use, and 75 percent of youth firearm suicides – where storage could be identified – occurring when the gun used was stored loaded and unlocked.
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Crystal Graham
