[ [link removed] ]Moms Demand Action
Hi–

I became a survivor of gun violence and suicide loss when a student of
mine, Alex, died by firearm suicide in July 2020. His death was public and
painfully seared in my memory.

I stared at the gun lying on the ground next to us, pointed in our
direction, terrified that it would go off again. Trained and confident in
first aid, I got to work, but I knew that nothing I did would bring my
student Alex back to life.

This life-altering experience is why I went to work in suicide prevention
and why I volunteer with Moms Demand Action. In the face of tragedy, I've
found my purpose, voice, and passion. And we have so much more work to do.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Most gun deaths in the
United States are by suicide—nearly six out of ten. Through policy change
and supporting people in crisis, we can prevent suicides. There is hope.

[ [link removed] ]White text over a purple and teal ombre background reads: If you or
someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
provides 24/7 connection to free, confidential support anywhere in the US.
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org

I've seen myself how the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can save lives. You
can call or text 988 or chat [ [link removed] ]988lifeline.org if you or someone you know
is having a mental health, substance abuse, or suicidal crisis. 988 offers
free 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help.

And don't wait until you're on the brink of a struggle—you can call or
text 988 whenever you need support.

Talking openly about suicide and sharing resources is essential to ending
the crisis. [ [link removed] ]Share our social media posts about the 988 Suicide & Crisis
Lifeline. You could help save someone's life.

[ [link removed] ]SHARE ON FACEBOOK

[ [link removed] ]SHARE ON INSTAGRAM

Changing our gun laws also helps prevent suicides—passing policies for
secure gun storage, background checks on gun sales, and extreme risk
protection orders to temporarily remove guns from someone in a crisis. All
of these make guns less accessible to someone who's considering suicide.

Most people who attempt suicide do not die—unless they use a gun. That
second chance matters: The vast majority of people who survive a suicide
attempt do not go on to die from a later attempt.

The research shows that the difference between living to see a better day
or dying by suicide is often determined by the presence of a gun. This is
why, from school boards to statehouses to Congress, gun safety advocates
like you and I are fighting to pass gun safety measures that give people
that second chance.

Friend, thank you for taking the time this Suicide Prevention
Awareness Month to learn and spread the word about 988, and to hear mine
and Alex's story. Your participation matters.

Take good care,

[ [link removed] ]A black and white photograph of Joel Kaskinen smiling, wearing a denim
jacket and black jeans.

Joel Kaskinen
He/Him/His
Volunteer, Moms Demand Action

[ [link removed] ]White text over a purple and teal ombre background reads: September is
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. More than half of gun deaths are by
suicide. But with policy change and crisis support, there is hope. The 988
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for
people in distress and their loved ones. Call or text 988 or chat at
988lifeline.org




Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots volunteer network of
Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. As a movement of Americans fighting for
common-sense gun policies, we depend on contributions from supporters like you
to fund important work to reduce gun violence.

Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as
a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e). A
gift may qualify you for annual membership in the Action Fund.
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