Speaker(s):
Presentation:
In 2017, Missouri ranked 4th in the nation in death by firearm (CDC). In 2017, firearm related deaths were the second leading cause of death in Missouri children ages 1-17 (CDC). According to the Gifford Law Center in 2020, Missouri received a scorecard grade F in terms of its current firearm laws. In 2017, Missouri saw a near doubling of the rates of suicide by firearms in 15-24-year-olds (the highest rate reported since data collection began in 1999). In 2015, Missouri experienced the highest firearm homicide rate in 15-24 year olds since 1999. This presentation will zoom in on changes in Missouri firearm law which occurred from 1999-2018, discuss the existing scientific literature on the effects of changes in Missouri’s firearm laws on suicide/homicide by firearms, and will elaborate on Dr. Bhatt’s work in this area.
Objectives:
- Recall the timeline of changes in Missouri firearm policy
- Describe the current state of affairs regarding Missouri firearm law
- Review the scientific literature on the effects of Missouri’s firearm laws on suicide and homicide by firearms in the state
- Learn how firearm status impacts suicide by firearms/suicide risk
- Describe future preventive strategies to mitigate adolescent and young adult suicide by firearms in the state
Slides and Handouts: