September 10, 2018
NSSF, Project ChildSafe® Encourage Securely Storing Firearms During Suicide Prevention Month
NEWTOWN, Conn. — In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the trade association for the firearms industry, and Project ChildSafe®, NSSF’s national firearms safety education program, are reminding gun owners that securely storing their firearms could help save the life of someone going through a difficult time.
In addition to keeping guns away from those who shouldn’t have access to them, NSSF notes that reaching out to a person you’re concerned about can be extremely important. Research shows that asking someone if they are having suicidal thoughts will not put the person at greater risk. In most cases, it brings relief to those in need of help by showing that someone cares enough to bring it up. NSSF offers resources online[1] to help identify warning signs and risk factors, how to locate assistance and tips on how to keep firearms secured and safely out of reach.
“Given that two-thirds of firearms-related fatalities are suicides, firearms owners can play a role in helping to prevent these tragedies,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF’s President and CEO. “Understanding what to look for, having a brave conversation and securing firearms when not in use can help save lives.”
Last year, NSSF embarked on a collaborative partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) on a national firearms and suicide prevention program. NSSF and AFSP have worked systemically to disseminate suicide prevention education materials to firearms retailers, shooting ranges and their customers. NSSF supports AFSP’s Project 2025, an initiative to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States 20 percent by the year 2025.
