Richmond, VA–Video by Judy Wolf of FACES, a member of the Chesterfield Suicide Prevention Coalition
I am not going to argue on the second amendment. Efforts on either side of that subject are very political and have not resulted in a lower suicide rate. This post is “Switzerland” on that subject.
No firearm retailer wants to find out that the firearm he or she sold was used for a suicide. In Virginia, 55% of deaths by firearm are not homicides but suicides.* Imagine the number of suicides we could prevent if we could educate more firearm retailers on what to look for.
Dave, a local firearm store sales manager seen in the video below, tells us a story about how he had a “gut feeling” about a customer. When I spoke to him last month, I dropped off some AFSP Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention brochures. In my conversation with him, it was obvious he had done his homework on signs of individuals at risk for suicide.
Please share this remarkable story. (Dave gave me permission to use this video.)
American Foundation of Suicide Prevention has taken another tactic to embark on a first-of-its-kind national plan to build and implement public education resources for firearms retailers, shooting ranges, and the firearms-owning community about suicide prevention and firearms.
This program provides clear and usable guidelines, activities, and resources for those interested in learning more about firearms and suicide prevention. See more here.
If you are interested in the firearm safety brochures I am talking about or to have a “Talk Saves Lives” presentation to educate about suicide prevention and firearms, please use the contact form and I will forward to the Virginia Chapter Chair to get in touch or to set up a presentation.
If you you live in another state, please look up your AFSP chapter and request the presentation. Every state has a chapter.
If you want a suicide prevention presentation for your group by a member of the suicide prevention coalition, contact Judy at FACES. Or you can reach out to me.
That’s amazing. Thank goodness Dave was educated in the warning signs and trusted his gut instincts (which were more attuned because he had learned about the signs of suicide risk). I love that you are reaching out to firearm store owners. That’s brilliant.
Really is incredible
Thumbs up, Dave! Thank you for what you did.
Thank you Dave for caring. Not only did you listen to what wasn’t being said and going with your gut feeling , you went the extra step of calling for someone to come talk to him. Can’t help wondering if just the fact that you CARED and went out of your way for him may be what made him reconsider! Kindness matters and makes a difference in everyday life. Diane
Amazing isn’t it?