Reducing access to lethal means for a person at risk of suicide is an important part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. Firearms are the most lethal among suicide methods and in Eagle County more than 50% of suicides involve a firearm. SpeakUp ReachOut advocates on the federal, state, and community level for funding to prioritize research and provide public education regarding the following topics:
The relationship between suicide and firearms.
Implementation of voluntary off-site storage and safe storage initiatives.
Expansion of lethal means education and counseling practices within healthcare and first response systems.
SpeakUp ReachOut is committed to implementing safe storage initiatives for firearms, as it will be associated with increased safe storage rates, and fewer firearm injuries and fatalities.
To do this, SpeakUp ReachOut is working with local firearm retailers, ranges, instructors, and law enforcement agencies through the Colorado Gun Shop Project (Spanish) and educating the firearm community through the Colorado Office of Gun Violence Prevention about proper safe storage, reporting lost and stolen firearms and implementing lethal means safety training and tools in Eagle, Garfield and Summit Counties.
the Colorado Gun Shop Project
11 Commandments of Firearm Safety
Protect Your Community by Understanding Colorado Firearm Safety Laws
Colorado’s firearm laws are designed to prevent theft, accidents and suicide through responsible storage, reporting, and voluntary safeguards.
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It only takes a moment: Youth-led safe storage PSA from Larimer County.
Lock2Live.org: Firearm and medication safe storage decision aid tool that supports users and their families in identifying options for secure storage that fit their personal needs.
Firearm Life Plan: An easy-to-use toolkit to facilitate conversations about firearms, aging, and planning for the future together.
Securetheirfuture.org: Firearms Safety Tips for Parents and Families.
Firearm Safety Statement: Colorado Attorney General.
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Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention is Everyone’s Business: A Toolkit for Safe Firearm Storage in Your Community
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Your Hope Center: 24/7 Support Line 970-306-4673; Community Stabilization Program
Mountain Strong: Find a Therapist and Olivia’s Fund
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Lethal Means Blog Articles
Blog
Resources for Clinical Providers
A powerful addition to existing strategies to reduce the risk of suicide death in at-risk people while respecting their rights and autonomy. SpeakUp ReachOut has two trainers that can deliver this program. Learn more.
Featured
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: A clinical guide to lethal means safety and suicide prevention for veterans.
Securetheirfuture.org: The pediatric professional’s role in safe firearm storage education.
Lethal Means Counseling Training w/ Dr. Emmy Betz
This session is intended for mental health and emergency care clinicians who interact with patients with active suicide risk.
Household Resources
Safe Guard Your Home
A Guide to Suicide Prevention at Home PDF
Proteja su hogar
Una guía para la prevención del suicidio en el hogar
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Dispose of your expired or unused prescription drugs at Drug Take Back Days in April and Oct.
