Suicide is Preventable
Working with our partners—the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA)—NSSF has developed resources to educate industry members and the firearm-owning community, including veterans and those in active military service, about suicide prevention.
More open discussions about this once-taboo topic helps remove the stigma associated with talking about suicide and seeking care for mental health and life struggles.
It’s important for the firearm-owning community to do this – to have each other's back, to help friends and family or, simply, anyone who needs help.
Toolkit for Firearm Retailers, Ranges and others in Industry
Access ToolkitOur Goal
NSSF's goal is to have all segments of industry provide education about suicide prevention to employees, firearm owners and their families. NSSF and members of the industry, because they carry trust and credibility, can help change attitudes and behaviors about this difficult subject. Firearm owners will understand that the message inherently respects and supports their right to own and use firearms responsibly.
View Resources
NSSF delivers 5 core messages to industry:
- Suicide is preventable
- You can make a difference
- Train your staff
- Educate your customers
- Call or text 988—the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—if you or someone you’re concerned about is struggling. Veterans should call 988 and then press 1 to be connected directly to the Veterans Crisis Line.
Dedication
NSSF is dedicated to reducing suicide by firearm. Each year, NSSF representatives participate in suicide prevention conferences, including with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Dept. of Defense, SAMHSA-VA Governor’s Challenges and researchers to make these groups aware of our efforts and our viewpoints.
NSSF brings industry professionals together with the VA at annual Roundtables and includes suicide prevention seminars at industry events like the SHOT Show, NSSF Marketing and Leadership Summit and NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo.
We invite you to join our efforts to help save lives.
