More than half of all gun deaths in the United States are suicides, prompting a growing coalition of gun owners to advocate for responsible firearm practices and mental health awareness. This initiative is driven by personal losses and a desire to address what they term a “gun violence epidemic,” with firearm suicides accounting for 61% of gun-related fatalities, or an alarming 71 deaths each day.
Gun owners like Megan Cole and Dr. Kurt Michael emphasize the importance of education and secure storage practices as key strategies in preventing these tragedies. They aim to bridge the divide between gun ownership and safety, promoting the idea that gun culture can coexist with a proactive approach to mental health. These advocates call for open discussions about firearms in the home, as nearly 80% of guns used in youth suicides are family-owned, highlighting the urgent need to transform how communities address this issue.
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