Prevention is Key

Did you know that Indian Health Care Resource Center has an Injury Prevention Program? One topic the program covers is firearm safety. A 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics study of 1,021 youth firearm suicides (ages 10–24) found child decedents were 10 times more likely to use a parent owned gun than young adults. An effective strategy to prevent suicide is to store all firearms in a secure locked container when not in use to reduce access during a crisis. Safe storage can significantly reduce the risk of self-inflicted gun injury for families that have children in the home.

Another topic covered by our Injury Prevention Program is reducing youth access to medications at home. According to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, about 1 in 4 U.S. teens (24%) report misusing prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime, and 36% say they have easy access to prescription medications through home supplies. Suicide crises can escalate quickly and locking medications can buy time for the person to seek help. A medication lockbox is a strategy to prevent suicide when combined with education, conversations, and other safety options. It can significantly reduce the risk of a person in crisis or accidentally accessing lethal substances. 

Preventing access to medications and firearms is a proven, evidence-based strategy to reduce suicide risk, prevent accidental harm, and protect both individuals and communities.