Suicides Can Be Prevented By Reducing Access To Lethal Means!
Nearly 7 out of every 10 Veteran deaths by suicide are the result of firearm injuries (Dept. of Veteran Affairs, 2018)
What are lethal means?
Lethal means are objects like guns, medications, alcohol, opioids or other substances, ropes, cords, or sharp objects that can be used during a suicidal crisis. If a Veteran is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, these items can become deadly when they are easily accessible.
Firearm injury is the most lethal method in all suicide attempts!
Most people attempt suicide within 1 hour!
You Can Decrease Access To Lethal Items In Your Home!
If someone in the home is:
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- feeling suicidal
- has recently attempted suicide
- or is experiencing a crisis
It is safest to remove lethal means from the household entirely until the situation improves.
You have options!
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- Store firearms with a firearm retailer (at Live Today Put It Away)
- Lock up firearms and put the key in a safe deposit box or give the key to a friend until the crisis has passed
- Ask a family member to store medications safely and dispense safe quantities as necessary
Medication
Firearms
Learn more about firearm storage from the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the Veterans Health Administration!
