Survivors, clinicians and service providers at a community forum urged concrete steps to prevent suicide, emphasizing temporary removal or secure storage of firearms, use of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and collaborative safety planning.

Speakers framed the issue around the brief time window many people experience before attempting suicide. "For 48 percent, they said less than 10 minutes," said Speaker 2, citing a study of people who attempted suicide and arguing that those short-term crises make access to lethal means decisive for survival. Speaker 2 recommended that family members "hold on to the keys to your gun locks" or use quick-access lockboxes and, when necessary, store firearms away from home temporarily.

Clinicians described intake and safety-planning practices intended to reduce immediate risk. "Part of that intake is finding out if that individual has access to lethal means," Speaker 11 said, explaining that staff may offer a gun lock and connect people to 988 during the intake process. Speaker 3 described CAMS (collaborative assessment and management of suicidality) as an "evidence based suicide focused intervention" that involves working collaboratively with patients through a suicide status form and safety plan.

Several survivors described how reduced access to lethal means helped them survive attempts. Speaker 7 recounted that after an attempt "my mom took away all my medications ... and she took away all of the firearms in the house," calling those steps "really important to my survival." Speaker 5 described how physical barriers and deterrents at a bridge provided time to reconsider and reach out for help.

Speakers also urged simple, everyday actions by friends and family. "If it's someone struggling, just reach out to them. Ask them the hard questions. Hey, man. Do you have a gun in the house? I'm worried about you," Speaker 10 said, framing such questions as acts of care. Several speakers reiterated the 988 number: "If you are hurting right now today ... pick up your phone and punch in 988," Speaker 12 said.

The forum combined research, clinical practice and personal testimony to stress a practical message: reduce immediate access to lethal means, connect people to crisis resources, and strengthen community supports. Organizers encouraged attendees to sign up for training and to contact local programs for help.