Firearm Safety

Gun ownership is a normal part of life in America. In rural areas, a high percentage, if not all, families will have guns in their home. Having a conversation with someone who is suicidal about temporarily removing firearms from the home has great promise to save lives. The research-based tools on this website have been designed to help primary care practitioners as well as family members have productive and effective conversations about firearms with persons at risk of suicide.

Resources

People Who Love Guns Love You Brochure
Research Brief for Primary Care Providers

Online Courses

Addressing Firearm Safety with Patients at Risk of Suicide

This free course is designed to help primary care physicians and other types of health care providers working in rural settings develop better communication skills, comfort, and confidence when having conversations about firearm safety with patients who are suicidal. This course is specific to firearm safety and does not focus on other methods of suicide.

The free, virtual on-demand course can be accessed via the St. Charles Health System Continuing Medical Education platform here. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of St. Charles Health System and OSU. St. Charles Health System is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. St. Charles Health System designates this live virtual activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Starting July 26, 2024, the course is approved to meet Oregon Health Authority Cultural Competence Continuing Education (CCCE) training requirements for the following groups: Chiropractor, Counselor/Therapist, Dietitian, Emergency Medical Service Provider, Home Care Worker, Long Term Care Administrator, Massage Therapist, Midwife, Naturopathic Doctor, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Physician, Psychologist, Social Worker, Speech-Language Pathologist/Audiologist.

Funding for this training was made possible (in part) by grant number SM 061759 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written materials or publication and by speakers do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of CMHS, SAMHSA or HHS, nor the Oregon Health Authority, the St. Charles Health System or Lines for Life; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. government, the Oregon Health Authority or Lines for Life.