John, September marks the start of National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remember all those impacted by suicide, raise awareness about the risks, and share tools to prevent suicide. This year, more than a year into the social and economic disruptions of the COVID-19 crisis, suicide awareness and prevention is more urgent than ever.

Suicide accounts for the vast majority of gun deaths in the United States. And guns are responsible for the majority of suicide deaths in the country. Firearm suicide is a public health crisis impacting all our communities. It claims an average of 63 American lives every day.

The pandemic has led to social isolation, historic economic hardship, and record-breaking gun sales nationwide. All these factors combined greatly increase the risk of firearm suicide.

The good news is, firearm suicide is preventable. There are things we can do as individuals and communities to help reduce risk and keep people safe. Learn more about firearm suicide and what you can do to prevent it.

--Kristen (she/her)