In 2012, I lost my beautiful daughter Emily to suicide. She used a firearm she found in our home. We thought the gun was safely stored. We were wrong.
December can be difficult, as the ghosts of winter set in and the holidays approach. There will be one less gift to wrap, one less place to set at the table, one less memory to share. There are no words to describe the loss of a child, especially in such a violent and unexpected way.
A University of Delaware student was arrested Nov. 24 after police discovered a gun, ammunition and a notebook containing a map of a campus building, as well as a detailed assault plan.
According to CDC data, 44,000 Americans died by firearm in 2024 – 25,000 of those were suicides.
Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens aged 1-19 in the United States.
As a nurse, I cared for the living, those who were shot and survived. Annually 76,000 people survive gunshot injuries.
Bullets do not discriminate; they tear through flesh and bone, often leaving devastating injuries.
Each year, $2.8 billion goes toward immediate and long-term medical care of those injured by firearms.
What can we do? Join me and other gun violence prevention advocates across the country, through common-sense legislation, education and community engagement. We can reduce the numbers of senseless deaths in this country by raising awareness and encouraging open conversations with friends and family around firearms.
The leading method of suicide is use of a firearm. As in my daughter’s case, it is the fastest and most effective means to take your life. One moment of self-doubt, of weakness can lead to a devastating end.
Teach safe firearm storage for gun owners. A firearm stored unloaded and locked. Ammunition and the keys stored separately.
The harder it is for someone to access a firearm, the more time it gives them for a chance to rethink that choice and to seek help.
Educate on the 988 crisis line. Anyone can call if they suspect a family member is at risk to harm themselves or others.
A simple depression screening can be done at doctors’ offices, clinics or during ER visits. Many people feel more comfortable speaking to a physician or nurse than they do to their family.
Make mental health services easily accessible.
Together we can save lives.
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