Over 47,000 Lives Lost to Suicide

More than 47,000 lives were lost to suicide in 2017. Nationally, just over half of all suicides involve a firearm. Approximately a fifth of all suicides, and most suicide attempts involve medications.

After Dr. Jennifer Stuber, director and co-founder of Forefront Suicide Prevention, cold-called the National Rifle Association to ask how its leaders viewed firearm-related suicide, she became aware of two key points:

NRA members also suffer the loss of friends and family to firearm-related suicide
And that they, like much of the American public, mistakenly believe that nothing can be done to prevent suicide

With bipartisan support from the Washington state legislature, the Safer Homes, Suicide Aware campaign was founded in 2017, with a diverse and growing network of 45 partners across Washington committed to educating the public about suicide risks, and to distributing secure storage equipment for medication and firearms.

Significant Achievements

Outreach to gun owners through documentation included with concealed carry permits and Firearms Safety, Suicide Awareness and You Handbook

Installation of the Safer Home Memorial – a display in Olympia to commemorate those lost to suicide and raise awareness amongst legislators

1,500 + life-saving conversations & locking devices distributed

#stickit2suicide social media campaign with local businesses

10,500+ people reached through conferences & training sessions

400 hunter safety instructors trained

How Safe & Vault Store Plans to Help

We at Safe & Vault Store know too well the importance of suicide awareness and gun safety. That is why we are partnering with Safer Homes to help strengthen this cause. There will now be an option for our customers to donate to this cause on our website safeandvaultstore.com. In addition, we will also be donating 50 cents for every order placed over $100 to Safer Homes. Every bit helps, and we are proud to be a part of this cause and hope to inspire others to join.

How Safer Homes Plans to Expand Awareness Across Washington State

Through a comprehensive certification program, Safer Homes, Suicide Aware supports firearms retailers and instructors by helping them operate their businesses in line with the best practices to reduce suicides.

Connecting to Communities across Washington

While suicide affects all of us, some of the highest risk groups include men in the middle years (ages 35-46), veterans of the armed forces, and first responders. Over the years, Safer Homes, Suicide Aware has cultivated a strong presence among these populations by connecting at gun shows and community events, and by working to provide innovative Safer Homes Intervention education and free firearms and medication locking devices in locations throughout Washington state.

What the Safer Homes, Suicide Aware Campaign Encompasses

Resources: Suicide prevention videos, online training, and other materials are readily available at the Safer Homes website SaferHomesCoalition.org

A one-hour online training course for firearm retailers and gun safety instructors

Links

As isolation and gun sales both grow, experts urge gun owners to plan to prevent suicides, The Spokesman-Review 2020

Study shows gun shops can aid in preventing suicides, UW News 2019

A Sharp Increase in Gun Suicides Signals Growing Public Health Crisis, NPR 2018

UW’s Forefront to recreate memorial, advocate for solutions at Suicide Prevention Education Day in Olympia, UW News 2017

Suicide Prevention Education Day amplifies hope in Olympia, UW News 2017

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