During National Suicide Prevention Month
By Pat Kittle – Kittles Outdoor & Sport Co.
COLUSA, CA (MPG)- NSSF’s Gun Storage Check Week® this past June reached millions of gun owners with its “Make Sure It’s Secure®” message — thanks to outstanding industry participation!
I’m looking forward to repeating this success—again with your partnership—for Gun Storage Week running Sept. 1-7. Given that September is National Suicide Prevention Month, our focus is on stressing how secure storage can and does prevent suicide
Many are often surprised to learn that most firearm fatalities are suicide deaths, not homicides or accidents. By securely storing their firearms, gun owners and their families can create time and space between a person in crisis and a gun. That interruption to access has been shown to save lives, as it creates time for immediate thoughts of suicide to pass and connecting to care.
Please join us in promoting the “Make Sure It’s Secure” message Sept. 1-7. Our combined efforts will help NSSF and industry act on its commitment to help reduce the rate of suicide by firearm.
We’d like to remind gun owners and their families to check on their storage practices and to do their part to prevent unwanted access. There are many secure gun storage options available to meet personal and family needs. Remember also that storage needs may change over time as families grow and change. Let’s also remind people about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line—call 988 and press 1—if you or someone you know is struggling.
The more collaboration we receive from companies, organizations, law enforcement, individuals and other partners in safety, the more people we can reach with this important safety message—to “Make Sure It’s Secure.”
