HARRISBURG – In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, representatives from the CeaseFirePA Education Fund, in partnership with Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and the Eastern PA Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), hosted a virtual Lunch & Learn to address the silent crisis of firearm suicides, with a discussion on the disproportionate impact of firearm suicide in rural communities. With over 60% of gun deaths in Pennsylvania attributed to firearm suicide, the event brought together advocates and experts to discuss life-saving strategies and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding suicide and firearm safety.
“We cannot separate gun violence from firearm suicides,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. “As the majority of gun deaths in our state, we need to be proactive about preventing these tragedies by investing in mental health services, promoting safe storage, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.” Davis, who also chairs the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), emphasized the comprehensive approach the state is taking to tackle gun violence, including $20 million for county mental health programs and $100 million for K-12 school mental health services, as part of the 2024-25 bipartisan budget.
The event attracted 84 attendees, including suicide prevention professionals, community leaders, and advocates who joined the webinar to learn more about the facts and figures of this crisis, and how communities can work together to address the growing epidemic of firearm suicides.
A Call to Action for Pennsylvania Communities
Dr. Jay Breneman, Director of Firearm Suicide Prevention at CeaseFirePA and Stoneleigh Foundation Fellow, opened the discussion by highlighting the urgency of tackling firearm suicides, particularly in rural areas. “These tragedies are preventable,” Breneman said. “Every death represents a family devastated by loss, and we owe it to them to create safer communities through education and prevention.”
Samantha Bruno, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter Director for AFSP, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of education in breaking the stigma around mental health. “We must normalize conversations about mental health,” she said, “and provide individuals with the tools they need to safely store firearms and recognize the warning signs.” Bruno encouraged community involvement through AFSP’s Out of the Darkness walks, which aim to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and foster a culture of openness. “When communities come together, we can make real progress in preventing these tragedies,” she said.
The webinar closed with a call to action. “This is not a problem we can solve overnight, but with sustained effort and community involvement, we can prevent these tragedies,” said Lt. Gov. Davis. “It’s about changing the culture[into]one that supports mental health, embraces safe firearm practices, and breaks the stigma around seeking help.”
For those who missed the live session, the full event is available on PACast here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
