Purpose of Review

About half of all suicide deaths in the USA are by firearm. Putting time and distance between a person in suicidal crisis and means of inflicting lethal force is an effective suicide prevention strategy. The current review summarizes the emerging literature on the involvement of firearm stakeholders in community-based efforts to reduce access to lethal means for people at risk for suicide.

Recent Findings

A small but growing set of scholarly articles indicates that the personal values underlying firearm ownership need not be impediments to firearm suicide prevention. By engaging gun owners in helping to craft culturally relevant messages and encouraging trusting and mutually respectful relationships between gun owners and non-gun-owners, it is possible to advance toward a common goal of reducing death and suffering.

Summary

If fewer people in suicidal crisis have ready access to firearms, the USA will see a reduction in its suicide rate. To date, the academic literature on lethal means reduction predominantly consists of healthcare-based, clinician-led interventions. An emerging literature on community-based, firearm stakeholder-engaged efforts suggests that these inclusive models present major opportunities to amplify key messages and normalize life-saving behaviors.