The Deadly Link Between Lax Gun Laws, Suicide and Mental Health in NH

Lax gun laws and gun violence have been in the spotlight recently, between the tragic shootings in a Buffalo, NY supermarket, at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde TX and the more recent Highland Park shooting at a July 4th parade in Chicago.  These incidents have raised the issue of the mental health crisis in our country.  The story that is often missed, though, is the link between guns, gun possession and suicide

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in New Hampshire, ranking as the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, and the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 35-44. 

Guns are by far the most lethal method of self-harm, with a fatality rate of about 90%.  Waiting Periods | Everytown | Everytown

In NH, in a recent 4-year period, suicide has now surpassed falls as the leading cause of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) fatalities, with suicide accounting for 36% of all TBI fatalities, and falls accounting for 35%. This totals a staggering 491 TBI fatalities from suicide!

Red Flag Laws To Limit Access For Those At Suicide Risk

What can be done about the growing problem of suicide in NH?  While increased attention on mental health in the Granite State is one solution, gun control legislation to limit access to guns by those at risk for suicide is another. 

Many states are considering “red flag” laws (also known as ERPOS or Extreme Risk Protection Orders), which allow law enforcement or family members to ask a civil court to temporarily remove guns from a person who poses a risk to themselves or others.  According to Newsweek, nineteen states currently have “red flag” laws in place. Which States Have 'Red Flag' Gun Laws in Place? (newsweek.com)

Connecticut led the way with the first red flag law in 1999 –and last year legislators voted to update the law, effective June 1st of this year, to allow family members and clinicians to ask the court to intervene when a person poses an imminent risk of injury to themselves or others.  

According to Rep. Steve Stafstrom, Chairman of the CT legislature’s Judiciary Committee, research shows the law is saving lives.  For every 10 to 20 orders, researchers say one life has been saved.

NH is a “Gun-Friendly” State – Maybe Too Friendly?

While some may believe NH’s current gun control legislation is “fine the way it is,” it is clear that a lack of funding for mental health combined with lax gun purchase laws are a fatal mixture. 

According to a recent article from World Population Review, NH is on the list for the “best states for gun owners”. Best States For Gun Owners 2022 (worldpopulationreview.com)  Why?  Because NH does not require a carry permit, registration or a purchase permit.  Open carry is allowed, but long guns located in vehicles can’t be loaded.  A background check is not required for a private sale.

Addressing Mental Health in NH

Gov. Sununu and NH legislators are taking steps to address the mental health crisis in our state, and reform is long overdue.  For example, as of July 16th, the 988 number connecting those in need of mental health counseling to immediate help was implemented in NH.  The 988 Suicide Hotline: What Is 988 and When to Use It? - GoodRx

In addition, in April of this year, NH legislators voted to expend $2,000,000 to create a statewide mental health docket as NH moves toward its goal of transforming the state’s mental health system. Note: Improvements are sorely needed; according to a study by the Mental Health America ranking states on prevalence of mental illness and access to care, NH ranks 30th. Ranking the States 2022 | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)

Legislative Considerations For Decreasing Suicide By Firearm

If we are serious about wanting to decrease suicides, NH needs to focus both on increasing access to mental health services AND creating opportunities to remove firearms from people who are at risk for suicide.  According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Prevention and Policy, “gun violence restraining orders are a promising strategy for reducing suicide in the U.S. and should be considered by states seeking to address gun violence.”  Guns & Suicide - Research - Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Prevention and Policy - Centers and Institutes - Research - Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (jhsph.edu)

Waiting Period Laws

Creating a buffer between someone having a suicidal crisis and access to a gun can be the difference between life and death.  “Waiting period” laws require those buying guns to wait for a period of time before they can access the gun they have purchased.  This allows for a “cooling off” period for the people who might reconsider their intensions in the interim.  According to the American Public Health Association, when studies looked at people who came close to dying from suicide attempts but lived, about 25% went from deciding to kill themselves to making the attempt in less than 5 minutes.  Almost 75% of them took less than an hour to decide.

Firearms and Suicide: Guns and Public Health Part 3 - Bing video

Keep Guns Out Of Reach Of Those At Risk

Storing guns safely and locking up unloaded guns also reduces risk.  According to the American Public Health Association, safe storage includes: 1) locking the firearm; 2) storing the firearm unloaded and 3) storing the firearm separate from ammunition.  Note: Studies have shown that homes that contain guns, and keep them unlocked and loaded, have an increased risk of suicide.

If we are serious about wanting to save lives in NH, it is time to open discussion about common sense laws that allow for the removal of guns from those at risk for suicide and require a waiting period that promotes thorough background checks and time for reflection.