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Lethal Means Safety: Reducing Suicide Deaths

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Many suicide attempts occur during a short-term crisis, making it crucial to address a person's access to lethal means during these periods of heightened risk. Lethal means are objects—such as medications, firearms, and sharp instruments—that can be used to inflict self-directed violence.

Lethal Means Safety is an intentional and voluntary practice to reduce suicide risk by limiting access to these potentially deadly tools. Research shows that access to lethal means is a significant risk factor for suicide, and reducing such access can save lives. Firearms, the most lethal method of suicide, are particularly concerning in rural areas, where they are often more readily available.

Action Steps for Suicide Prevention
Reducing access to lethal means is a vital component of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. Families, organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers can take proactive measures to minimize the risk of self-harm. Some strategies include general household safety precautions, regardless of suicide risk, such as securely storing medications and firearms.

General Actions:
•Educate family members and community members about reducing access to lethal means during crises.
•Train mental health professionals and nontraditional providers (e.g., divorce attorneys, first responders, probation officers) in lethal means counseling.
•Raise awareness about options for temporary firearm storage outside the home during crises.
•Collaborate with community partners to promote safety.
•Implement policies for lethal means counseling in healthcare and behavioral health settings.
•Engage gun retailers and owner groups in suicide prevention initiatives.
•Distribute safety tools such as free or low-cost gun locks or safes.
•Install protective barriers on bridges and tall buildings to prevent access.

Crisis-Specific Actions:
When someone in the household is suicidal, has recently attempted suicide, or is experiencing a crisis, it is safest to remove lethal means from the home entirely until the situation stabilizes:
•Store firearms with law enforcement (if permissible) or have a trusted friend hold them securely. Alternatively, lock firearms and give the key to someone outside the household.
•Limit access to medications by storing them securely and dispensing only safe quantities as needed.

By integrating these practices into our daily lives and communities, we can collectively work to reduce suicide deaths and create a safer environment for individuals experiencing crises.