Lethal Means Safety
If a Veteran is experiencing a crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1. Use the chat feature on VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text 838255. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7, even if a Veteran is not covered under the Community Care Network (CCN).
Note: The Veterans Crisis Line is also available for Veterans who are deaf or hard of hearing. Dial 711, then 988.
What is Lethal Means Safety?
Lethal means safety is the practice of reducing access to and safely storing items that could be used for self-harm during a time of crisis. This can include firearms, medications, or other sharp objects. Even a brief crisis could be deadly when lethal means are easy to reach.
Why it Matters
- Firearms and other lethal means, including medication, alcohol, and strangulation and sharp objects, are frequently involved in Veteran suicides or suicide attempts.
- Securely storing these items can save a life by putting more space between suicidal thoughts and actions. Talk to a Veteran about safe firearm and medication storage.
Lethal Means Safety Counseling
Lethal means safety counseling (LMSC) is a patient-centered approach to discussing reducing access to lethal means. It aims to promote safety behaviors by aligning recommendations with a Veteran’s preferences and values.
LMSC can fit into routine care, especially if integrated into an established workflow. Providers can gain insight on talking to Veterans about safe storage of lethal means.
Additional Resources
- Learn more about secure firearm storage, or access VA’s safe firearm storage toolkit.
- Download VA’s flyer on storing firearms and medication safely.
- Take VA’s self-paced Lethal Means Safety training.
- Print VA’s secure firearm storage bumper sticker.
If you are a VA CCN provider and would like to request a trigger lock, please email clinicalops@triwest.com.