New program provides tools to slow down access to lethal means of suicide

Ten minutes. On a normal day, it goes by in a flash. Think of how quickly 10 minutes passes when you’re getting ready for work, scrolling online, chatting with a friend – those minutes seem inconsequential.??

But for someone who is in a suicidal crisis, 10 minutes could mean the difference between life and death. The most acute phase of a suicidal crisis is typically very brief – often 10 minutes or less – so reducing access to a lethal means is critical during that time.?

In particular, putting time and distance between a person in crisis and a firearm can save lives. In fatal suicide attempts, firearms are the most common method used nationwide; in our Peaks Region, they were the method used in over 50% of Colorado and 63% of Montana suicide deaths.?

That’s why Intermountain Health is launching a program throughout the Peaks Region to reduce firearm-related suicides and injuries by providing gun safety locks paired with informational resources.?

The Peaks Region piloted the materials at our Intermountain /Select Health booth at Denver’s PrideFest in June, and Good Samaritan Hospital distributed the gun safety locks, instructions, and informational brochures as part of a broader community partnership event hosted by the hospital on July 25.??

Community members lined up hours before the Good Samaritan event opened, and a total of 322 people attended over the course of two hours. Good Samaritan distributed more than 300 cable gun safety locks. Additionally, the hospital joined with community partners to distribute 430 firearm lock boxes funded by Good Samaritan.?

“This collaboration highlights our collective commitment to safety in the community, and we truly value the help of everyone who made this event possible,” said Grace Guesthouse, RN, injury prevention and outreach coordinator for Good Samaritan Hospital’s trauma services.?

All hospitals in the Peaks Region will receive gun safety locks and informational resources, with most sites planning to launch distribution during suicide prevention month in September.??

The program will focus on direct-to-patient distribution of most of the gun safety locks, with additional outreach through community events. Caregivers will distribute gun locks to patients and/or their families identified within suicide risk workflows. Each care site will also have plans for how to distribute the resources in the broader community as well as to our own caregivers who need them.?

The Peaks Program builds upon a successful model launched by Intermountain’s Community Health program in 2019. Intermountain president Rob Allen recently spoke at the White House about the effort, which has distributed nearly 67,000 free gun locks since it began.?

“Gun locks give more time for people to reconsider, seek help, talk to a family member or friend, come to an emergency room, or call 988," Rob said during the White House address.?

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.???