Steps to Create a Safer Community

What is our role?

Pharmacies, firearm retailers, pawn shops, and shooting ranges can all help prevent suicide

Pharmacies

Pharmacists, pharmacy techs and other staff are in an optimal position to recognize when a patient may be struggling. Pharmacists tend to see patients on a regular basis for refills, whereas doctors may have contact only once a year. That means pharmacists and their staff can build relationships with those they serve and are more likely to see when they are acting out of the norm. Pharmacists can also help by dispensing pills in blister packs, limiting prescription quantities to a monthly supply, and setting system alarms to indicate when a patient isn’t taking their medication as directed.

Learn more about how you can help by downloading pharmacy tip sheets and other materials here.

Firearm Dealers

No firearm dealer wants to sell a firearm that will be used for suicide. While not all suicides are preventable, firearm retailers can play a role in suicide prevention by reducing the odds that a gun bought at their store today will be used in a suicide tomorrow. Strategies retailers can use include slowing down sales when a patron seems to be struggling or is exhibiting warning signs of suicide, encouraging safe storage (gun safes, gun locks, etc.) with every purchase, displaying and distributing prevention materials for the public, and providing firearm safety courses that include suicide prevention.

Learn more about how you can help by downloading firearm dealer tip sheets and other materials here.

Gun ranges

We all know you can’t call a bullet back. Range operators are in a unique position to help as they are more likely to see patrons regularly than with other firearm-related services. Strategies operators can use include slowing down rentals when a patron seems to be having difficulties with their mental health or are exhibiting warning signs of suicide. They can also encourage safe storage (gun safes, gun locks, etc.) with every client, display and distribute prevention materials for the public and at gun range events and provide firearm safety courses that include suicide prevention information.

Learn more about how you can help by downloading range operator tip sheets and other materials here.