Good afternoon John,

We are pleased to share the good work of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV) and Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) with you! We hope you enjoy this month’s update. We want to remind you that the best way to stay up-to-date is to visit www.csgv.org and www.efsgv.org as well as follow us on social media including Facebook and Twitter.

Suicide Prevention Month: CSGV and the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence are committed to saving lives

CSGV and the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence add our voices to raise awareness for suicide prevention not only during September, but throughout the year. Suicide is a public health crisis in America. Suicide tragically continues to be the 10th leading cause of death in the country, and firearms continue to account for half of all suicides. Please visit our Prevent Firearm Suicide website to explore resources and vital information to prevent the tragic loss of life.

CSGV Supports Safer States

As part of CSGV’s Safer States Initiative, we hosted a webinar highlighting our work with New Yorkers Against Gun Violence by supporting their efforts to advocate for better gun laws in the state. U.S. Senator Richard Bluementhal (D-Conn.) delivered opening remarks recognizing CSGV’s long-term commitment to making gun violence rare and abnormal. Watch the video to learn about the Safer States Initiative’s work in New York and how we support state-based groups!

Virginia Funds Gun Violence Prevention During Special Session

CSGV and gun violence prevention advocates celebrated the $5 million allocation to community gun violence intervention initiatives passed in a special session of the state legislature, but noted that it is only a first step. The amount is $32 million less than what a coalition of advocates, including CSGV, had called for to help curb Virginia’s epidemic of gun violence. Nevertheless, CSGV and our partners will continue to be vocal advocates during the next general assembly including calling for the creation of an office of gun violence prevention to serve as a central hub for best practices in combating this public health epidemic.

Taking Action to Reduce Gun Violence

CSGV and its partner organization, the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, are promoting safety, suicide prevention awareness, and addressing community violence. A sampling of recent activities is below.

Statements by CSGV and the Educational Fund to Prevent Gun Violence:

Legislation to Fund Youth Suicide Prevention, Lethal Means Safety Will Save Lives
- The Child Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), meets an urgent need to expand training opportunities and resources for health care providers on youth suicide prevention and culturally appropriate lethal means safety counseling.
Virginia Funds Gun Violence Prevention During 2021 Special Session
- Due to Virginia’s ability to jumpstart the economy following initial hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state had an opportunity to combat another public health crisis during the current special session.
Recognizing Suicide Prevention Month Means Recognizing the Role of Deadly Firearms in Suicide Deaths
- For nearly 18 months, the pandemic has introduced or exacerbated many of the risk factors associated with suicide: isolation, unemployment, feelings of hopelessness and the trauma of losing loved ones to the virus. In that same time period, the number of deadly firearms sold in the United States soared to all-time highs.

CSGV at Home

CSGV Senior Policy Analyst Ari Davis and Student Organizer Cierra Hinckson join CSGV at Home to discuss funding and investment for community violence interruption (CVI) at the local, state and federal level.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UtdmgtLCR0

Consider making a charitable gift from your IRA!

“I made a gift to the Ed Fund from my IRA to fund action now so future generations can live free from gun violence!”

-Sue, Champaign, Illinois

If you are 70 ½ years or older and wish to support the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, the partner organization of CSGV, with a tax-deductible gift, please consider making a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA to the Ed Fund by year-end!

Please consult with your financial advisor about this powerful charitable giving and possible tax-saving opportunity. Please contact Director of Development Sarah Rhyins at [email protected] with any questions.

Your generous donations support our life-saving work. Please consider making a gift today to help make gun violence rare and abnormal.

The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence and

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
805 15th Street NW, 502
Washington, DC xxxxxx
United States