Anything to help a friend… Those aren’t just words. In this episode, we talk about the importance of peer conversations about firearm safety as a way to prevent suicide. We hear from Jay Zimmerman, a veteran whose approach to conversations about safe storage changed after his best friend died by suicide. We also talk to Dr Adam Walsh, a suicide prevention researcher who shares why peer conversations might be one of the most effective ways to improve gun safety and prevent suicide.

Resources, transcripts and more at https://www.cstsonline.org/suicide-prevention-program/podcasts

Should gun safety be part of medical training? Most health care providers talk to patients about quitting smoking, but not firearm safety. Both are major causes of preventable death. We hear from Dr. Mary Campagnolo, a physician who wonders if a conversation about guns and safety would have prevented the suicide of a patient. We also talk to Dr Joseph Simonetti, a primary care physician, about ways for health care providers to have constructive conversations with patients about gun safety. Resources, transcripts and more at https://www.cstsonline.org/suicide-prevention-program/podcasts

 How do you talk to other parents about guns? We offer tips on how to have this vital conversation - one many parents overlook. From 2015-2020, there were at least 2100 unintentional shootings by children, 800 of them fatal. All of these incidents were preventable. Hear from District Attorney Matthew Weintraub as he shares the heart-wrenching story of 2-year-old Benjamin Smith who accidentally shot himself with a gun left on a nightstand. We also talk to Dr. Alison Tothy about safe gun practices in our own homes and in the homes of others. The takeaway is ASK: Asking Saves Kids. Resources, transcripts and more at https://www.cstsonline.org/suicide-prevention-program/podcasts. 

What do you say to a loved one when you’re worried about their access to guns? What if you’re worried they may attempt suicide? Prevention starts with having a conversation about how to put barriers and time between a suicidal impulse and a fatal act. 

In this episode, we’ll talk with David McDaniel whose son tragically died by firearm suicide. We’ll also talk with Dr. Mike Anestis, a suicide and gun safety expert, who offers guidance on talking about alternative storage in times of crisis. Resources and more information here. 

There are proven ways to navigate dementia, aging and gun ownership. Hear the story of Karen Meushaw, who dealt firsthand with aging parents, dementia and firearms. We also get expert advice from Dr. Emmy Betz, an ER physician and firearm safety researcher, who reveals what we know about older adults and gun safety. This episode will inform and empower families and friends with practical advice for tough conversations and ideas on how to plan ahead.

Gun facts:

• Of 81 million gun owners in the US, one-third are over age 65.
• Cognitive, visual, or other impairments can affect the ability to safely maintain firearms.
• Family members and friends are typically the first to notice these changes.

Resources and more information available here.