Practically, Strang said the agreement makes it easier for the local authorities to refer patients between the two providers.
Kleeman said she keeps certain questions at the forefront when working toward these goals: “Are we as a community speaking openly and creating an environment where people can identify themselves and can speak freely about their suicide risk,” Kleeman said. “But also their engagement in mental health treatment, their compliance and adherence with medication?”
Though guns are the leading method in deaths by suicide in the U.S. for both veterans and the general population, firearms account for a larger share of deaths by suicide in the veteran population. Firearms were involved in nearly 70% of veteran suicide deaths in 2020, compared to 53% for the general population.
Veterans and their family members can get free cable gun locks – which run through the chamber of the gun and locks at the bottom with a key – through the suicide prevention coordinator at their local VA. In Harris County, the locks are also available through the Harris Center. “I was like, ‘I'll take it’,” Kleeman said. “Because it takes a lot more time for you to think about going upstairs and getting it out, and during that time another behavior is possible, like calling the crisis line or reaching out to a family member or friend.”
Kleeman said some people have pushed back on the focus on firearms in the Mayor’s Challenge priorities over fears that they are trying to take away people’s guns. However, she said the strategy is founded based on the data.
Let’s ask GregAbbott_TX