KNOW THE FACTS

  • There were 947 firearm-related deaths in Kentucky in 2021. 534 (56%) were suicides and 364 (38%) were homicide/legal intervention.

  • Over the last 20 years, rural areas in Kentucky have seen rates of suicide by firearm that are 1.4 times higher than in urban areas.

  • 79% of Kentucky’s veteran suicides in 2020 were by firearm, compared to 64.9% of overall Kentucky suicides.

  • In Kentucky, more than half of households own at least one gun.

  • In 2021, one Kentuckian died by firearm suicide every 16 hours.

  • Nearly 80% of individuals considering suicide give some sign of their intentions.

  • In Kentucky’s rural areas, 68% of firearm deaths were from suicide in 2021, a 26% increase since 2001. Firearm suicides are 1.4 times higher in rural areas than in metropolitan areas.

  • Studies show active shooters experience three to five “mental health stressors” in the lead-up to their acts of violence.

  • 79% of Kentucky’s veteran suicides in 2020 were by firearm, compared to 64.9% of overall Kentucky suicides. Farmers (36.1 per 100,000) and Miners (54.2) also have a significantly higher suicide rate than the general population (27.4).

Help is available: call or text the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline

OUR SOLUTION

A bipartisan bill, Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention (CARR), allows for the temporary transfer of firearms away from people on the brink of crisis. It ensures you have a way to intervene before your loved one misuses a gun. States with processes for the temporary transfer of firearms see rates of suicide by firearm drop between 7 and 14 percent. Recent studies show compelling evidence for mass violence prevention too.

Nearly 80% of individuals considering suicide give some sign of their intentions. Studies conducted over 30 years show that 90% of mass shooters engaged in suicidal behavior before their attacks, and 80% expressed their intent to others.

When the signs are visible, CARR is the tool.

THE BIPARTISAN TEAM BEHIND CARR

Senator David Yates (D)

Senator Whitney Westerfield (R)

  • Whitney/Strong and Sandy Hook Promise are dedicated to finding common-ground solutions to gun violence. We’re balancing Kentuckians’ culture of firearm ownership with public safety and the urgent need to ensure the mental health and wellness of gun owners.

  • If we connect gun owners to help when they need it most, we can lessen the likelihood firearms will be misused - be that in acts of violence against self, others, or both.