Presentation
By

Room Paradise Ballroom B

Speaker(s):

Katie Ellison, MS, MA, NCC & Racheal Ward, MA

Description

In 2022, approximately 50,000 Americans tragically lost their lives to suicide, and a concerning majority—over half—chose to end their lives with firearms. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, the U.S. Surgeon General underscores the importance of integrating lethal means safety into a comprehensive public health strategy aimed at preventing suicides. Addressing firearm suicide prevention in rural Missouri poses a unique challenge, as communities deeply entrenched in shooting sports view interventions as potentially antagonistic. Embarking on a groundbreaking initiative, the Safer Homes Collaborative, supported by grant funding from the Missouri Foundation for Health, unites the expertise of the Missouri Institute of Mental Health and the Family Counseling Center. Together, they are dedicated to elevating awareness about lethal means safety strategies that can delay, deter, and prevent suicide.

Objectives

    • Gain a profound understanding of the novelty inherent in a learning grant, specifically aimed at exploring innovative methods to integrate lethal means safety into a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention.
    • Explain how the collection of qualitative data is undertaken to assess and appraise the evolving mental frameworks of stakeholders actively involved in firearm suicide prevention.
    • Detail the insights gained in crafting messaging and media campaigns when tackling sensitive topics, emphasizing the lessons learned in navigating challenging subject matter.
    • Acknowledge the insights gained, barriers encountered during implementation, and the proactive approach taken to transform challenges into opportunities and reshape strategies.
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