Gun violence: firearm safety and suicide prevention with Emmy Betz, MD, MPH

In this episode we cover firearm-related injury and suicide—and the role physicians can play in helping to prevent it with Emmy Betz, MD, MPH, professor of emergency medicine and director of the "Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative" at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Betz is also involved in The Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition and is an #emergencymedicine physician at CU School of Medicine. American Medical Association CXO Todd Unger hosts.

Free firearm resources available at:

✶ https://www.bulletpointsproject.org/ — The BulletPoints Project provides clinical tools for doctors and medical educators to help prevent firearm injury. This tool equips clinicians with knowledge on firearms, their uses, benefits, risks, and safety to help reduce chances of firearm injury and death in their patients.

✶ https://lock2live.org/ — Lock To Live provides tools that can help you talk to patients and families about temporarily reducing access to potentially dangerous things like firearms, medicines, sharp objects or other household items.

✶ https://firearmlifeplan.org/ — Firearm Life Plan offers peace of mind to older adult firearm owners and families. This site provides resources and downloadable toolkits to preserve firearm legacy and maintain safety. Safe firearm storage is recommended by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

Dial 9-8-8 if you or anyone you know needs help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the U.S.