Lethal Means Action Team: Means Safety for our Homes and Community
One of the most powerful steps we can take to save lives in Marin County is to create safe environments in our homes, workplaces, schools, and community. Many suicide attempts take place during a short-term crisis, so it is important to determine a person’s access to lethal means during these periods of increased risk. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, most people in suicidal crisis who don't have easy access to a lethal suicide method will not simply find another way to kill themselves. Interrupting access during a crisis period can save lives.
The Lethal Means Action Team actively partners with other community groups to reduce suicidal risk through means safety. The Team is comprised of members from the: Gun Safety Collaborative, OD Free Marin, Golden Gate Bridge and the Bridge Patrol, SMART Train, and a local ligature prevention researcher.
NEWLY RELEASED! The Team has recently produced, "Reducing Access to Lethal Means: A Guide for Caregivers in Marin County" (available in Spanish). Visit: Striving for Safety as a new resource.
AVAILABLE! Providers interested in learning ways to counsel clients and patients in lethal means can participate in a free Counseling for Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training. Email here for more information.
Striving for Zero Suicide: Reducing Access to Lethal Means Event
The Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative takes a cross-sectoral approach to reducing access to lethal means. In 2022, a panel event was held with representation of local and national experts discussing ways to reduce lethal means access. Presenters: Captain Roger Elauria, Bridge Patrol Captain, Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District; Dominique McDowell, HOPE Team Program Manager, UCSF-OBIC Clinic; Jeffrey DeVido, MD, Addiction Services, Marin County Health and Human Services; Steve Diamond, Program Director for Suicide Prevention, Buckelew Programs; Colleen Creighton, Director, End Family Fire, Brady. Hosted by Lynn Murphy, LCSW, San Rafael Police Department.
Firearm Safety
In Marin County, almost 80% of gun deaths are firearm suicides (vs. 60% nationally). In partnership with the Marin Gun Safety Collaborative, the Lethal Means Action Team supports student projects, partners with CBO's, and shares firearm safety messages to save lives. There are easy steps you can take to prevent suicide and injury in our community. Download and share Lethal Means Safety for Caregivers brochure.
To learn more, email here. For GVROs presentation/training or to obtain a firearm safety lock.: Contact Pellie Anderson at panderson@bradyunited.org.
In the News! The Gun Buy Back event helped to remove unwanted firearms from homes in exchange for cash. View this news coverage video or click on the image.
Reducing Access to Substances
Substances are commonly involved in a death by suicide. The Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative partners with OD Free Marin to understand the role substances can play in mental health and suicidal behavior through events and materials. Let's Talk Booklets developed by the Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships provide education and resources for youth substance use prevention.
More recently, the WTF campaign was created in partnership with the Marin IJ, Marin Community Foundation and Good Stuff to create life-saving awareness to reduce overdose in our community. Marin HHS Communication and Media Team and OD Free Marin spearheaded this campaign.
Reducing Bridge Access
The Suicide Deterrent System, also known as the Safety Net, has been installed! The Suicide Prevention Collaborative partners with the Golden Gate Bridge Patrol to collect data and to understand the impact of the Safety Net through the Bridge Patrol Captain. Over the past 5 years, almost 90% of the time first responders negotiated with someone at the Golden Gate Bridge, they were successfully able to intervene. Connections can save lives. However, the proximity and presence of the bridge to Marin County underscores the urgency of our prevention efforts.
In the news! Please read recent New York Times article featuring update on the Safety Net. Visit www.bridgerail.net for frequent updates regarding the Golden Gate Bridge and rail systems.
Reducing Access to Rail Tracks
The Suicide Prevention Collaborative partners with SMART train by creating campaign content and messaging for train passengers and the surrounding community. Awareness campaigns have focused on conductor announcements, brochures on wall racks within the train, placement of 988 hotline signs, and personal hygiene kits for those living unhoused along the rail tracks with 988 information.
Preventing Suicide by Suffocation
At-home safety measures include locking up or discarding any sharp or dangerous items (eg., knives, scissors, razors, cleaning supplies, ropes, etc.) in your home or your family's home and staying aware of any comments or actions shared by your child or loved one about harming themselves. Consider signs that someone may be thinking of suicide, such as purchasing ropes or other items, expressing thoughts of suicide, or accessing information through online searches. Creating a safety plan can help a loved one with coping strategies and means safety. If additional or higher level of care is needed, contact your health care provider or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You do not have to walk this journey alone.