Suicide attempts with a firearm are most frequently lethal and account for two-thirds of all suicide deaths.
Safely securing firearms has been shown to reduce suicide rates.
Recognizing that outreach to the firearm-owning community is critical sparked the creative idea of the Locks and Socks educational outreach initiative funded by the Health Foundation of Central and Western New York.
During a seven-day period beginning August 1st, close to 1500 hunters will come to Cabela’s to obtain a license, and/or doe tags before the hunting season begins.
The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County, in partnership with Crisis Services hosted volunteers from the Junior League of Buffalo on Monday, July 29th, 2024, who assembled Locks and Socks hunters gift bags and transported them to Cabela’s where they will be distributed to those 1500 hunters from across Erie County.
Gun locks are being supplied by Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System. Hunters are also being given a free pair of socks, information on how to store firearms free of charge and mental health crisis resources.
This is an exciting opportunity to reach firearm owners in a place they are comfortable with and to convey an important message – keep your firearm locked at all times!
“Men in the middle years of their life are one of the highest risk groups for suicide. Reaching out to hunters with an important message about firearm safety is a wonderful opportunity to share a message which can save a life. It is critical that firearm owners keep their firearms locked when not in use and even temporarily remove them from the home during times of family stress. Our website suicidepreventionecny.org has a link to a map of Erie and Niagara Counties indicating locations where a hunter can bring firearms for temporary, voluntary safe storage. We are so thankful for the support of our collaborative partners who are helping us get the word out to up to 1500 hunters” shared Celia Spacone, Coordinator of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County.
Christopher Ramnauth, LCSW, Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention, VA Western New York Health Care System added “The VA Western New York Healthcare System has been a long-standing member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County, working collaboratively to decrease suicides. “Locks and socks” is just one example of our creative partnership and shared goal of ending suicide.”
“The Junior League of Buffalo is excited to partner with Crisis Services and participate in the ‘Locks and Socks’ Educational Outreach Initiative. “
In proud partnership with our local VA Hospital system, The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County has given out free gun locks at gun shows, the Erie County Fair, County firearm registration programs and other events. Last year alone, 1200 gun locks were distributed with suicide prevention materials. To learn more, please visit our website: Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County (suicidepreventionecny.org)
How to Get Help:
Crisis Services 24-Hour Hotline:
(716) 834-3131 or Dial 988
Veterans Crisis Hotline
Dial 988 and Press 1
Spectrum Health and Human Services
CARES Program (Youth & Families)
716-882-HELP (4357)
