Veteran suicide prevention plan seeks free gun lockboxes

(The Center Square) – A new proposal in Congress wants to supply veterans with free firearm lockboxes as a measure to reduce the risk of suicide.

Pennsylvania U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio and Brian Fitzpatrick, along with Democratic Ohio U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman, said the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act would authorize funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer servicemembers the boxes, expanding an existing pilot program that does so for veterans identified as a high-risk for suicide who ask for one.

"It is unacceptable that we have such high rates of veteran suicide when we know there are things we can do to help save the lives of those who served,” said Deluzio, a Navy veteran. He went on to express his pride in introducing the bill that appeals across the aisle.

“It is a simple bipartisan idea, supported by organizations from across the political spectrum – let's get this done and fight back against the crisis of veteran suicides,” he said.

According to a news release announcing the bill, veterans who die by suicide most commonly use firearms to do so, including 73% of men and 52% of women, which are rates that exceed the civilian population.

Fifty-one percent of veterans report owning at least one firearm and more than half say they store the weapons unsecured. Another third say they don’t own a lockbox or safe.

“The alarming and tragic reality is that our veterans face a suicide rate 57% higher than that of civilians,” Fitzpatrick said, calling the initiative both “commonsense” and “a lifeline.”

“By providing access to lifesaving resources, we can prevent devastating outcomes and stand with our veterans as they navigate their darkest hours. It's simple: we must come together and deliver the support our veterans deserve and have rightfully earned,” he said.

“Our veterans sacrificed so much for our country, and it’s our responsibility to support them in all ways,” Landsman said. “Free gun storage boxes is a simple yet critical step in reducing the risks of firearm-related harm. We're proud to support this initiative in helping to keep our veterans and their loved ones safe.”

Advocates for gun rights, veterans’ programs, mental health awareness and treatment and stricter firearm laws all back the legislation.