John, suicide is a growing crisis in the U.S., and firearms are a driver of that trend. These rising deaths are preventable with appropriate resources and a comprehensive public health approach.
Cipriano’s story is a reminder that with the right interventions, we have the power to save lives. If you can, take a moment to learn more about Cipriano by reading the 30 under 30 magazine created by Change the Ref.
Cipriano did not have an easy life. He was one of five siblings in an immigrant Filipino family, and he was bullied through elementary and middle school. His mental health only worsened when he fell into depression in his junior year of college after a big heartbreak. The last 5 years of Cipriano’s life were spent battling a schizophrenia diagnosis, in and out of mental health facilities. Shortly after Cipriano was discharged from a mental health facility, he gained access to a handgun and ended his own life.
Cipriano and other kids like him battling mental health crises should never be able to so easily access guns.
Mia, Cipriano’s sister, recalls how their family had a hard time talking about mental health. The silences ran deep, and they became even deeper with Cripraino’s suicide and his father’s passing three years later. But instead of being broken, Mia has ended this cycle of silence. Now, she’s using her voice to talk about suicide prevention and gun control, organize, and fight to end the gun violence epidemic in America. It’s just a small way that she can honor her brother and his life. The rising numbers of suicide by firearm can be stopped.
Stories like Cipriano’s remind us how the right interventions have the power to save lives. This is beyond policy, it’s life or death. If you would like to be part of our mission to end all forms of gun violence, chip in $20.25 or anything you can today. Everything we do is to honor those that we have lost to gun violence and to fight for a better future!
Thank you,
Team MFOL
P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
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