Denver is taking action this September, marking Suicide Prevention Month with an emphasis on public health strategies aimed at reducing deaths by suicide. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) is implementing a new initiative as a component of the city’s broader firearm harm prevention strategy, acknowledging Colorado’s concerning rates of suicide, one of the highest in the nation.
At the heart of the intervention is the triad of connection, collaboration, and choice, principles that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline advocates. "Connection – Helping someone feel seen, heard, and not alone," one aspect of this approach, is considered essential in bringing down suicide rates. The importance of secure firearm storage is brought into focus, considering the role firearms play in suicide, especially among youth and young adults. In fact, "134 residents lost their lives to firearms" in 2023, as obtained by DDPHE, confirms the urgency of this issue.
Efforts to encourage responsible gun storage include the distribution of free cable gun locks, a partnership between DDPHE, local schools, health agencies, and community organizations. Beginning this fall, residents in Denver can access these gun locks through local organizations. This proactive step aligns with the CDC’s Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention, aiming to save lives by adding critical time and distance between a person in crisis and a firearm.
