Title: Firearms and Suicide in the Northeast

Publication Date: September 2004

What does it say?

This study looked at 7 northeastern states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont) and examined the relationship between the numbers of guns kept in the home and rates of suicide. It was found that the higher the number of household guns the higher the risk of suicide.

Consistent with previous research, the connection found between the availability of guns and higher rates of suicide could not be explained by differences between states in the number of suicide attempts. In addition, no evidence was found that people would substitute another means of committing suicide if guns were less available.

The study concludes that: “When it comes to suicide, the availability of household firearms matters – a lot.”

How can I use it?

Use this study to challenge the myth that guns keep us safer. Gun owners need to be informed of the risks associated with owning a gun. Reducing ready access to guns through enacting sensible gun laws and increasing safe and secure storage practices is essential in to order to save lives by reducing deaths that occur as a result of preventable suicides.

Citation

Miller, Matthew; David Hemenway; Deborah Azrael., “Firearms and Suicide in the Northeast,” Journal of Trauma, 57(3) (2004): 626-632

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