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Video 4: Lethal Means Safety

Youth Suicide Prevention Video Series

Video length: 21 minutes

Video Chapters

Click on the three lines in the upper left corner to see chapter information or reference the chapter table of contents below to navigate to specific chapters.

  • Introduction to lethal means safety (1:05–3:14)
  • Virtual parent appointment (Note: “Mr. Peterson” is an actor and not an actual parent) (3:15–12:24)
  • Types of lethal means and safe storage (12:25–19:33)
  • Additional steps to support means safety (19:34–20:55)
image

Alejandra Arango, Ph.D., Child Psychologist, University of Michigan

  • Recognize the importance of lethal means safety counseling
  • Learn strategies for effective communication with caregivers about lethal means safety
  • Develop a plan for removing or storing lethal means that is tailored for each family

Resources Mentioned in Video

  • Familiarize yourself with firearm storage laws in your state and use this information to support discussions with caregivers, as needed. For example, information about Michigan firearm storage requirements and penalties can be found at Firearm Storage Penalties

Other Resources

Resources to Share with Caregivers

Goldstick, J. E., Carter, P. M., & Cunningham, R. M.(2021). Current epidemiological trends in firearm mortality in the United States. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(3), 241–242.

Conner, A., Azrael, D., & Miller, M. (2019). Suicide case-fatality rates in the United States, 2007 to 2014: A nationwide population-based study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 171(12), 885–895. https:// doi.org/10.7326/M19-1324

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). National strategy for suicide prevention (April 2024). https://www.hhs.gov/programs/prevention-and-wellness/mental-health-substance-abuse/national-strategy-suicide-prevention/index.html

Goldstick, J. E., Carter, P. M., & Cunningham, R. M.(2021). Current epidemiological trends in firearm mortality in the United States. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(3), 241–242.

Conner, A., Azrael, D., & Miller, M. (2019). Suicide case-fatality rates in the United States, 2007 to 2014: A nationwide population-based study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 171(12), 885–895. https:// doi.org/10.7326/M19-1324

Sisler, S. M., Hart, S., Hamilton, J., & Schapiro, N. A. (2025). Preventing Suicide Through Lethal Means Restriction in Pediatric Care. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 39(2), 308-317.

Text or call 988 for 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Access available for Deaf/HoH and Spanish speakers. Visit https://988lifeline.org/ to chat or learn more.