Protecting Lives by Limiting Access to Harmful Means

Lethal means safety refers to a range of strategies to reduce access to means (objects, substances, and places) that could be used to attempt suicide. By implementing effective lethal means safety measures, communities can reduce the risk of tragic outcomes and save lives.

Lethal means safety is an evidence-based strategy for suicide prevention. Research shows that  limiting access to lethal means can greatly increase the likelihood that a person at risk for suicide will survive a crisis and go on to live.  By addressing access to medications, firearms, sharps, and other potentially harmful items, communities can create safer environments for individuals in crisis.

Principles of Lethal Means Safety

  • Time and Distance: During periods of increased suicide risk, specific moments of crisis are often brief. Research has shown that the time between making the decision to attempt suicide and taking action can be less than five minutes for many people.  Allowing time for these moments of crisis to pass by creating distance from lethal means of suicide can therefore save a life.   
  • Understanding and Action: Individuals, families, and communities can help by sharing information about the risks associated with access to lethal means and taking action with the strategies shown below.
  • Collaboration: Developing and implementing effective lethal means safety strategies will require working together across sectors including policy, healthcare, law enforcement, and community organizations

Strategies for Lethal Means Safety

Medication Safety

  • Safe Disposal: Promoting proper disposal of unused or expired medications to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
  • Prescription Monitoring: Implementing systems to monitor prescription drug use and identify individuals at risk of medication-related harm.

Medication Lockboxes: Providing access to secure lockboxes for storing prescription medications, particularly for households with children or individuals at risk of self-harm.

Firearms Safety

  • Secure In-home Storage: Encouraging the use of gun safes, gun cases, locking devices, and other secure storage methods to prevent unauthorized access to firearms.
  • Temporary Off-site Storage: Providing options for temporary firearm storage during times of crisis or when individuals are experiencing mental health challenges.
  • Training and Education: Offering firearm safety training that promotes firearms safety for suicide prevention within the community.

Conclusion

Lethal means safety is an essential component of efforts to protect our communities from suicide. By implementing access restrictions, promoting safe storage practices, and providing support and resources for those in crisis, we can save lives and create safer environments for everyone. Through collaboration and education, we can work together to reduce the risk of impulsive acts of harm and promote well-being for all.

Forefront maintains the Safer Homes program which provides education and free locking devices for firearms and medications.