Hi John,

Suicide accounts for nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths in the United States. As we confront the impact of COVID-19 and record gun sales across the country, the risk of firearm suicide is only growing.

Thankfully, there are tools available that can help prevent these tragedies before it’s too late. Among the most effective suicide prevention tools are Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which allow a family member or law enforcement officer to file a civil order to temporarily prohibit a person at risk of harming themselves or others from possessing firearms.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ERPOS :
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King County, Washington has served as a model for the nation in implementing ERPOs. This week, The Bloomberg American Health Initiative at Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health released a series of videos featuring local experts sharing best practices and insights to help people across the country effectively implement ERPO laws.

These vital resources are needed now more than ever. Stressful life events, social isolation, hopelessness, helplessness, and access to lethal means are risk factors for suicide. Each of these factors will be exacerbated as the country deals with the coronavirus.

One particularly stark statistic: In the United States and Europe, suicide rates rise about 1 percent for every one percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In the last two months, more than 36 million Americans have lost their jobs.

Finally, when it comes to suicide, means matter greatly. Access to firearms in the home increases the risk of suicide three-fold. And firearms are by far the most lethal suicide method with close to nine out of 10 attempts being fatal.

As we face the unprecedented challenges ahead, we are committed to ensuring that lifesaving gun safety laws like ERPOs are working to keep our communities safe. Be sure to check out the videos to see our implementation work in action.

Thank you,
Renée

PAID FOR BY ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY

P.O. Box 4187
Seattle, WA 98194
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