Suicide is a complex but preventable issue, which most often occurs when several stressors and health issues combine to create feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, especially when unaddressed, increase risk of suicide.

Many suicide attempts take place during a short-term crisis, which means that reducing access to lethal means of self-harm is a critical part of suicide prevention and a practical way for us to help save lives.

Firearms are the most lethal among suicide methods and used in nearly 50% of all suicides in the United States. Also of concern are medications that are lethal in high doses. 

Thanks to grants from the Office of Gun Violence Prevention with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and The Weld Trust, North Range’s Suicide Education and Support Services program is distributing gun cable locks, gun lock boxes, and locking medication bags at no-cost to our community.

• Cable locks run through the barrel or action of most firearms to prevent it from being loaded and fired.
• Lock boxes help to secure, conceal, protect or legally transport a firearm.
• Locking medication bags store prescription medications with safety in mind.

Safe storage of firearms and medications can protect you and those you love. It's okay to give firearms, medications, and keys to trusted family members or friends when life gets tough.

By keeping secure firearms and medication storage in mind, you can help reduce access to lethal means and reduce the number of suicides in our community.

Another way that we can help save lives is to educate ourselves and reach out. Learn the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. North Range’s Suicide Education and Support Services program offers suicide prevention trainings at no-cost to the community.

If you are worried about a friend or a family member:

• Trust your gut and don’t wait for them to reach out. Let them know you care.
• Ask them directly about suicide and encourage them to seek help. Talking about suicidal thoughts and showing concern will not put someone at greater risk.
• Talk about gun safety and options for temporary off-site firearm storage.

If you are going through a difficult time:

• Colorado Crisis Services connects people with free, immediate, and confidential help all day, every day.
  • Call: 844.493.TALK (8255)
  • Text TALK to 38255
  • Walk-in: 928 12th Street in Greeley
  • Find other Colorado walk-in centers at ColoradoCrisisServices.org