Friday Finds
Friday Finds
As this is National Suicide Prevention Week, we have focused on articles dealing with suicide.
Given the constant information tsunami of our 24-hour news cycle world, there are bound to be stories that get lost in the scroll. On Fridays here at Armed With Reason, we’ll highlight some articles from the Gun Violence Prevention realm that might have been missed during your busy week.
As this is National Suicide Prevention Week, we have focused on articles dealing with suicide.
VIDEO: What can be done to prevent gun suicides as U.S. rate hits all-time high
“William Brangham speaks with Dr. Emmy Betz, director of the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative.”
There’s a spike in youth suicides. Easy access to guns is part of the problem.
“In the past decade… there was an overall 56% increase in young persons using firearms to kill themselves.”
States with Lower Gun Ownership and Stronger Gun Laws Have Lowest Suicide Rates
“…according to a new Violence Policy Center (VPC) analysis of 2021 data (the most recent year available) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. Conversely, states with the highest suicide rates have higher gun ownership rates and weaker gun violence prevention laws.”
Suicide Prevention and Safety: Reducing Access to Lethal Means
“While there are many signs to be aware of related to suicide, one of the top things for parents and relatives to focus on is removing access to items that could be used in a suicide attempt.”
VIDEO: A record 530 people died by firearm suicide in Wisconsin last year. These gun stores hope to change that.
“The programs are part of a grassroots movement to address gun suicides that started in New Hampshire and has spread to more than 20 states.”
Storing guns away from home could reduce suicides, but there are legal hurdles
“Colorado, Washington State, Utah, Louisiana, and other states around the country have implemented some version of a safe firearm storage map or public messaging campaign encouraging people to store firearms outside of the home while at increased risk for suicide.”
Public Libraries Can Play a Role in Gun Violence Prevention
“We really tried to make this not a judgment about guns and gun violence and more of a public health solution to preventing suicides and accidental deaths.”
One year later, 988 is saving lives during crisis moments
“Since the rollout of 988, the three-digit, simplified national crisis number that started in July 2022 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), trained counselors have answered 46% more calls than the previous 12 months. In total, it adds up to nearly 5 million contacts answered in the last year through calls, texts, and chats, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”
If you or someone you know is in need of help, call or text 988. — The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
Also: Find a Helpline — Free, confidential support from a helpline or hotline near you. Online chat, text, or phone.
Image by goodinteractive from Pixabay.