When someone is struggling

The 15 minutes

1. 2 min Say why: "More than half of U.S. firearm deaths are suicides (CDC, 2022 data). Time and distance between a person in crisis and a firearm can matter. This lesson is facts and phone numbers, not treatment."
2. 6 min Read the source lines below aloud. Name who said each one.
3. 4 min Talk through the questions. There are no wrong answers here.
4. 3 min Agree one change for this home, and who will make it by when.

Read aloud

• "In 2022, there were more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States according to mortality data." (CDC)
• "More than half of firearm-related deaths were suicides and more than four out of every 10 were firearm homicides." (CDC)
• "90% of suicide attempts with a firearm are fatal." (AAP)
• "Treatment can also include putting space and time between the individual and lethal means." (CDC)
• "What can parents do? If possible, remove the firearm from the home." (AAP)
• "No, talking about suicide will not increase the risk" (AAP)
• "The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential." (988 Lifeline)
• "Dial 988 then Press 1" (Veterans Crisis Line)

Talk it through

• Is this true in our home today? "Everyone in the home knows the number: call or text 988 (Veterans and their families: 988, then press 1)."
• Is this true in our home today? "If someone in the home is going through a crisis, the adults talk about putting space and time between that person and any firearm, with the person's doctor or the 988 Lifeline."
• Is this true in our home today? "It is fine to ask someone directly how they are doing. The AAP: talking about suicide does not increase the risk."
• What would make it hard to keep this up, and what would make it easy?

Questions and answer key

1. In 2022, more than half of U.S. firearm-related deaths were...
   Answer: suicides
2. How do you reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
   Answer: Call or text 988, or chat online
3. How does a Veteran, or someone worried about one, reach the Veterans Crisis Line by phone?
   Answer: Dial 988 then press 1
4. Does talking about suicide with someone make it more likely to happen, according to the AAP?
   Answer: No
5. According to the AAP, what share of suicide attempts with a firearm are fatal?
   Answer: 90%
6. The CDC says treatment can also include...
   Answer: putting space and time between the individual and lethal means