Means Matter

Most efforts to prevent suicide focus on why people take their lives. But as we understand more about who attempts suicide and when and where and why, it becomes increasingly clear that how a person attempts--the means they use--plays a key role in whether they live or die.

"Means reduction" (reducing the odds that an attempter will use highly lethal means) is an important part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. It is based on the following understandings (click on each to learn more):

• Many suicide attempts occur impulsively during a crisis.
• Intent isn't all that determines whether an attempter lives or dies; means also matter.
• 90% of attempters who survive do NOT go on to die by suicide later.
• Access to firearms is a risk factor for suicide.
• Firearms used in youth suicide usually belong to a parent.
• Reducing access to lethal means saves lives.

Firearm access can be a politically-charged topic. This website, however, is designed to introduce a non-controversial, "lethal means counseling" approach to reducing a suicidal person's access to firearms and other lethal means.

September 2011

Firearm Dealers Playing Active Role in Suicide Prevention

The Means Matter Campaign has been a leading member of the New Hampshire Firearm Safety Coalition, a diverse group with a shared interest in firearm safety. During National Suicide Prevention Week earlier this month, the Coalition launched Suicide Prevention: A Role for Firearm Dealers and Ranges. After interviewing half of all NH firearm retailers, materials were developed to assist dealers, range owners, and all gun owners in identifying those who may be suicidal, with guidance on how to respond. Packets containing these materials were mailed to all retailers and public ranges in NH, and initial feedback has been positive. Visit the Coalition website to download materials and read more about the project.

April 2011

Cornell Debates Adding Bridge Barriers

We have been talking to several journalists, Cornell staff and students about the utility of adding barriers to Ithaca's many bridges. Integral to the debate is the question of whether those who are unable to jump off a bridge due to a barrier will kill themselves elsewhere. Research has indicated that erecting a bridge barrier does not result in more jumps from nearby sites. Since jumps do not constitute a large proportion of suicides, it is hard to say whether there is a commensurate increase in other methods if barriers make jumping difficult or impossible. However, in attempts where impulsivity is a factor, there is evidence that restricted access to lethal means makes a difference. You can read some coverage of the Cornell debate on our Bridges and Suicide page.

The Harvard Injury Control Research Center is dedicated to reducing injury through training, research, intervention, evaluation, and dissemination. The Center has published hundreds of studies on injury topics ranging from motor vehicle crashes to alcohol use to youth violence and suicide. The Center is part of the Harvard School of Public Health.

The Means Matter Campaign is funded by The Joyce Foundation and the David Bohnett Foundation.

• (December 2010) A comparison of unplanned versus planned suicide attempters More info
• (November 2010) A change in Israeli military policy on firearm access off base is linked to a 40% reduction in military suicide rates. More info
• (June 2010) Being a resident or visitor to a high suicide region predicted suicide.  The level of firearm use predicted suicide levels in both regions. More info
• (April 2010) A comparison of suicide rates before and after Australia passed a gun ban shows a decline coinciding with a reduction in availability of firearms. More info

If you are in crisis or need support, call 1/800/273-8255.