Recent studies and reports continue to indicate the relationship between guns and the high numbers of suicide by gun is not going away.

In addition to the 20,765 gun deaths in 2021 as reported by the Gun Violence Archive, there were an additional 24,090 suicides by gun* – and 590 murder/suicide by gun incidents. It’s important to note that while the GVA has only included suicide by gun numbers in its reports for the last three years, each of those years the number has been over 24,000 – indicating there is need to reduce these numbers.

In a new CDC study on gun violence in America, researcher and lead author Scot Kegler states “Firearm homicides and suicides are an urgent public health concern in the United States.” The study reports that while firearm homicide rates were relatively unchanged over a period of time in large metropolitan areas, firearm suicide rates for all ages “increased in large metropolitan areas” and also increased among youth outside large metropolitan areas.

Implications of this study indicate “an urgent need for comprehensive firearm homicide and suicide prevention efforts.” Other pertinent issues indicated from the study results include:

• Suicide is the second leading cause among youths, with 43%  by firearm.
• Safely storing or removing firearms from the home during times of crisis can help reduce suicide risk, especially among youth.
• Firearm suicides are particularly high among White males.

*Data estimates provided by CDC.

Another report published in the Journal of Suicide Research indicates a correlation between suicidal thoughts/behaviors and firearm storage in a vehicle among males. Among the findings are three compelling points:

• 15% of those who store a firearm in a vehicle do so unlocked and loaded.
• Suicidal thought severity was related to storing a firearm in a vehicle.
• Historical suicidal behaviors were related to storing a firearm in a vehicle.

Suicide is preventable. Learn more here. Do you or a loved one need help? Below is a list of resources to contact.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
– Online chat
– Espanol: Ayuda En Español 1-888-628-9454
– For Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss 1-800-499-4889
– First Responders
• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation 1-614-429-1528
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Ohio
• Depression and Suicide Resource Guide … Columbus Recovery Center