Suicide and Guns
Suicide by gun is almost always lethal
Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO)
Suicide by gun is almost always lethal, and removing access to guns can save lives. A new law that goes into effect January 1, 2020 will allow concerned family members or law enforcement to go to court to temporarily remove guns from dangerous people. Learn more.
Colorado Ceasefire works to reduce firearm suicide through legislation and education. Subscribe to our e-newsletter for ways you can help pass common-sense legislation.
Temporary Storage of Guns
If you or a loved one is in crisis and would like to temporarily store your guns off your property, check out this map of businesses and law enforcement that will temporarily store firearms from the Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition.
Firearm Suicides in Colorado
In 2017, Colorado ranked 10th among all states for deaths due to suicide. In 2018, half of all suicides were committed with a firearm. Reducing firearm accessibility to those who are experiencing substance abuse, mental health problems, hopelessness, worthlessness, or self-hatred will save lives.
Suicide rates for all groups were markedly lower in states with laws that:
- required waiting periods for purchasing guns
- had universal background checks
- required gun locks
- had open carry regulations
- required license or permit-to-purchase for handguns
- registration of handguns
If you or someone you know is suicidal
Colorado Crisis Line
1-844-493-8255, Chat online or text TALK to 38255 to text with a counselor.
Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741 to text with a counselor.
Second Wind Fund
thesecondwindfund.org links students to mental health professionals and pays for up to 12 counseling sessions.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid provides training in how to recognize suicidal behavior. http://www.mhfaco.org/findclass
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Suicide Prevention Resource Center teaches about suicide warning signs https://www.sprc.org/about-suicide/warning-signs
