Never let anyone who doesn't fully understand the problem come up with the solution!
The article claims research has shown that making it harder to access a gun can prevent suicide deaths, and other studies have also shown that about half of veterans with guns are not storing them safely.
First, I honestly believe those in the military are used to and comfortable with openly storing weapons in their homes. Unless there are other mitigating factors such as children or unstable adults present, or a threat of theft, there's nothing wrong with having firearms out in the open as long as it's done safely. In fact, it quickens the ability to access a weapon in an emergency.
Secondly, the VA has been providing free cable locks for guns to any veteran who wants one since 2013, and in 2021, the department began airing public service announcements and posting billboards to encourage safe storage of firearms as part of a broader Biden administration effort to curb veteran and active service member suicides.
None of that hasn't helped lower the veteran suicide rate.
What would really help lower these rates would be improving veteran access to mental health care (i.e., ensuring they have timely access to mental health services including expanding telehealth services, increasing the number of mental health professionals, reducing wait times for appointments, etc.), enhancing crisis intervention services by providing immediate support through crisis hotlines and ensuring veterans know how to access these resources can be life-saving, seriously tackling veteran issues such as substance abuse, homelessness and financial instability can address some of the root causes of suicidal ideation; and helping veterans transition from military to civilian life by providing support with employment, housing and social connections to reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
Unfortunately, anyone intent on doing harm to themselves will find a way to do so. A gun safe won't stop them, or even slow them down.
Such feel-good measures are a waste of taxpayer's money which could be better spent on the above recommendations!
The article claims research has shown that making it harder to access a gun can prevent suicide deaths, and other studies have also shown that about half of veterans with guns are not storing them safely.
First, I honestly believe those in the military are used to and comfortable with openly storing weapons in their homes. Unless there are other mitigating factors such as children or unstable adults present, or a threat of theft, there's nothing wrong with having firearms out in the open as long as it's done safely. In fact, it quickens the ability to access a weapon in an emergency.
Secondly, the VA has been providing free cable locks for guns to any veteran who wants one since 2013, and in 2021, the department began airing public service announcements and posting billboards to encourage safe storage of firearms as part of a broader Biden administration effort to curb veteran and active service member suicides.
None of that hasn't helped lower the veteran suicide rate.
What would really help lower these rates would be improving veteran access to mental health care (i.e., ensuring they have timely access to mental health services including expanding telehealth services, increasing the number of mental health professionals, reducing wait times for appointments, etc.), enhancing crisis intervention services by providing immediate support through crisis hotlines and ensuring veterans know how to access these resources can be life-saving, seriously tackling veteran issues such as substance abuse, homelessness and financial instability can address some of the root causes of suicidal ideation; and helping veterans transition from military to civilian life by providing support with employment, housing and social connections to reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
Unfortunately, anyone intent on doing harm to themselves will find a way to do so. A gun safe won't stop them, or even slow them down.
Such feel-good measures are a waste of taxpayer's money which could be better spent on the above recommendations!
