Recognizing that nearly two-thirds of all firearms deaths are by suicide, NSSF and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have developed a Suicide Prevention Toolkit to help firearms retailers, shooting range operators, and customers understand risk factors and warning signs related to suicide, know where to find help, and encourage secure firearms storage options. NSSF asks retailers and ranges to participate in this program because doing so can help save lives.
Whether you are a plinker, self-defense enthusiast, military arms historian or competition shooter, you have an interest in tamping down the efforts of the anti-gunners. Beyond that, we all have an interest in helping the mentally ill, despair, or those suffering from something else that pushes them toward ending their own life.
A recording of the webinar is available.
Watch the program’s educational videos here:
Suicide Prevention for Ranges, Retailers, and Customers
Suicide at ranges or where guns are sold is a rare but devastating event. The AFSP-NSSF Suicide Prevention Program Toolkit includes an After a Suicide booklet developed to help prepare you and your staff to handle immediate concerns following a suicide, as well as look ahead to help those who have been affected. Additional materials in the toolkit will help educate staff and customers about risk factors and warning signs related to suicide and how to help someone who is going through a difficult time.
The toolkit contains educational materials for use in-store and for distribution to customers.
Do you have experience with someone who has battled mental heath or suicide? How have you heard politicians or gun control advocates misrepresenting gun-related deaths in the Second Amendment debate? Share your answers in the comment section.
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Those that we need to be the most concerned with is former military members and first responders. There are things we see and do that the average person will never see or deal with in their entire life. We get to do them over and over again. The saying is, “I wish my mind could forget what my eyes have seen.” The suicide rate among veterans and first responders is the highest it’s ever been in the U.S. I know first hand as a survivor of PTSD. There were some dark days and if it wasn’t for a friend and fellow vet, I’m not sure I would have gotten the help I needed. So, if you have a friend who is a veteran, a cop, firefighter, or paramedic, talk to them ask them how they are and if there’s anything you can do. A good friend with a compassionate ear is priceless. Also, learn the warning signs of depression and suicidal risk factors. Lastly, let them know how much they mean to you, and that your there for them when (or if) they ever need help.