The following message aims to increase your knowledge and understanding of suicide and firearm suicide in America.

We understand that the content may be personal for you.

If you or someone you know is in a time of emotional crisis or needs to talk to someone, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line for free from anywhere in the US.

John–

My dad ended all of our phone calls in the same way: "Love you, miss you, and blow a kiss." I wish I could still dial his number and talk, and hear him say those words. But twelve years ago, he died by firearm suicide.

My story, and the stories of so many others like my dad, are far too common. Nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides, resulting in an average of 64 deaths per day. And the problem is intensifying: Over the past decade, the U.S. firearm suicide rate has increased by 13 percent.

As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close, please join me in learning more about why we need urgent action on this crisis. Read and share the stories of people affected by firearm suicide at MomentsThatSurvive.org.

The firearm suicide crisis in the United States is daunting. But I want you to know that there is hope. These tragedies are preventable. We know that disrupting access to guns for people in crisis can save lives, whether by educating about secure gun storage or working to pass Extreme Risk laws.

And in this month and beyond, we can remember people like my dad and resolve to do what we can to save the lives of others. We can share their stories so they are never forgotten. We can make sure our loved ones receive the care they need.

John, take the time to learn why this fight matters. Read and share the stories of those affected by firearm suicide at MomentsThatSurvive.org.

My dad was the ultimate caregiver of our family, neighbors, and friends. Life has forever changed without him. Now, I end my phone calls with my two sons the same way he did with me: "Love you, miss you, and blow a kiss."

Thank you for helping to spread awareness of firearm suicide this month. And thank you for everything, Dad.

Together, we can stop this crisis and save lives.

Debbie Weir
Chief Mission Officer
Everytown Support Fund

P.S. Learn more about our work to prevent firearm suicide.