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.
I've seen myself how the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can save lives. You can call or text 988 or chat 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. Share our social media posts about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You could help save someone's life.
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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,
Joel Kaskinen
He/Him/His
Volunteer, Moms Demand Action
