COVID-19, Colorado Firearm Suicides and Lessons for First-Time Gun Owners

COVID-19 has upped the ante, and the time for Coloradans to look out for each other is now. Gun ownership comes with significant responsibilities, and we encourage new and experienced gun owners alike to think of ways today to prevent firearm suicide in their communities.

With gun sales spiking in Colorado, let’s talk about suicide prevention

An emergency room physician and a gun shop owner, who advocate together for suicide prevention, say they are concerned a recent increase in gun sales in Colorado could leave more people at risk for suicide.

As part of an ongoing focus on mental health during this time of coronavirus isolation, Rocky Mountain PBS spoke with University of Colorado emergency physician and researcher Dr. Emmy Betz and Jacquelyn Clark, owner of Bristlecone Shooting, Training & Retail Center in Lakewood.

People Are Asking How To Keep Guns Away From Kids

People Are Asking How To Keep Guns Away From Kids

“We know that kids are curious, kids are often impulsive, their brains are not fully formed,” Betz said. “As adults, one of the things we need to be doing is making sure that they don’t have access to dangerous things.

Colorado Gun Storage Map

Colorado Gun Storage Map

In collaboration with the Program for Injury Prevention, Education and Research (PIPER) from the Colorado School of Public Health, we’ve developed a new map for firearm storage in Colorado. It displays firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies that, as of August 2019, could store weapons for interested community members.

The project received coverage from the Denver Post and Colorado Public Radio’s Colorado Matters.

Check out the map here.

Guns, Violence & Mental Health

Guns, Violence & Mental Health

This Colorado Public Radio conversation covered issues related to mass shootings, suicide, firearms, and mental health . Panelists included George Brauchler, Laura Carno, Colorado Sen. Rhonda Fields, Moe Keller, and Emmy Betz. (August 13, 2019)
https://www.cpr.org/2019/08/15/guns-hate-mass-shootings-mental-health/

Dementia and Firearms: an Exploratory Survey of Caregiver Needs

Dementia and Firearms: an Exploratory Survey of Caregiver Needs

Dementia - because of its cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbances - can impair someone’s ability to safely operate a car, have firearm access, or be home alone. In this exploratory survey we asked dementia caregivers about their concerns and experiences. READ MORE.

In ongoing work, we’re conducting qualitative interviews with caregivers - contact us today!