In recent years, the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention has expanded to include lethal means safety, which promotes safe storage of firearms and medications to improve survival rates. According to the Department of Defense Annual Report on Suicide in the Military, 523 service members died by suicide in 2023. Firearms were the primary method of suicide death for Soldiers (65 percent for the active component) and Family members (61 percent for spouses and 43 percent for dependents).
“At its core, lethal means safety involves reducing access to highly lethal methods of suicide, particularly during periods of crisis,” said Dr. Emmy Betz, Director of Firearm Injury Prevention at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
While suicide can have long-lasting effects on the Army community at large, there is much that can be done to prevent it. The Army’s public health approach to suicide prevention aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's strategy, which focuses on creating protective environments against suicide. This includes safe-storage practices and policies. Research has shown that a suicide attempt can occur within five to 10 minutes from decision to action. Increasing time and distance between an individual in crisis and lethal means, such as a firearm, can allow time for intervention and reconsideration. “By limiting access to lethal means, individuals in a mental health crisis are provided an opportunity to survive their moment of despair and seek and receive the help they need,” Betz said.
For firearm owners, responsible storage is essential—not only to prevent access during a crisis but also to protect against unauthorized use, theft or accidents. According to the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, firearm safety can be simple if you have a plan.
• Ensure firearms are unloaded, locked and safely stored when not in use. This can significantly reduce the risk of gun-related injuries.
• Store ammunition separately and in a different location to add an extra layer of safety.
• Research options for offsite storage, such as gun shops, the police department, an armory, a pawn shop or a commercial storage facility.
Studies reveal that making lethal means less accessible has reduced death by suicide by 91%. Additionally, 90% of individuals who survive a nonfatal suicide attempt will not attempt again.
“It’s about making sure the person at risk doesn’t have access to a loaded weapon. These are simple but effective steps that can save lives,” Betz said.
Collaborative efforts with firearm businesses and local communities can be a critical lethal means safety strategy for the future. Pause to Protect, a lethal means safety initiative, works with local gun shops, particularly those near military installations, to provide resources and education on firearm safety. Currently, Pause to Protect has a dozen participating businesses that offer free, exclusive or reduced-cost secure storage options to service members. Additionally, the program has hundreds of businesses willing to consider requests for temporary, voluntary gun storage.
“By equipping firearm businesses with materials and funding (provided by the Defense Department’s Defense Suicide Prevention Office and USAA’s Face the Fight Foundation), they can support the local military and civilian populations through storage options and education,” Betz said.
Knowing how to respond when someone is in a crisis can be vital to their safety and well-being. One of the most critical actions a person can take when encountering someone who has expressed that they are having suicidal thoughts is to engage directly but compassionately. Betz encourages asking questions such as, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” She noted that this will not increase the likelihood of self-harm.
“Let them know you’re there to support them. You don’t need to fix the crisis yourself, but you can stay with them until they connect with a professional who can help, whether through a crisis helpline or a walk-in clinic.”
If the person has access to lethal means, it’s appropriate to ask whether you can temporarily hold on to them. The exact words aren’t as important as the intent—the key is communicating support and staying with them until they’re safe.
Army Civilians, Soldiers and their Families can turn to the following resources for more information on lethal means safety and suicide prevention and intervention.
• Ask, Care, Escort is an Army training program that educates Soldiers and Family members on methods of suicide intervention.
• The Suicide Prevention Resource Center is a federally supported resource center funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• The Army Suicide Prevention Program provides resources, builds awareness and supports Soldiers and Families with suicide prevention tools.
• Counseling on Access to Lethal Means trains individuals on how to work with people who might be at risk of suicide and provides information on how to reduce access to weapons or substances.
To learn more about the Pause to Protect program, visit the website.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide and needs help, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line.
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