GUN LAWS AND YOUTH SUICIDE BY FIREARMS SYMPOSIUM: WHAT THE CLINICIAN NEEDS TO KNOW

Abstract

This Symposium will define the problem of youth suicide by firearm, describe relevant firearm laws that contribute, describe the impacts of Missouri’s firearm law changes on youth suicide rates, and educate on how clinicians can effectively provide firearm safety counseling and advocacy. Researchers and national experts in youth suicide and firearm policy will discuss various aspects of youth suicide by firearm and firearm policy. Methods of instruction will include didactics, visual aids, and interactive discussion among audience and panelists. Anne B. McBride, MD, will present data from the CDC on national trends in youth suicide by firearms, helping define the problem. Abbie Chestnut, JD, will discuss firearm laws and their implications in youth suicide by firearm. Apurva Bhatt, MD, will discuss the impact of Missouri’s firearm laws on rates of youth suicide by firearm. Annie Andrews, MD, will discuss youth firearm violence prevention through responsible storage counseling and advocacy. Amy Barnhorst, MD, will be the discussant, synthesizing the data presented by the speakers and facilitating discussion among attendees and presenters. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents (CDC). National rates of suicide by firearms have doubled from 0.6/100,00 in 2007 to 1.2/100,000 in 2019 (CDC WONDER). A total of 883 adolescents died by suicide using a firearm in 2019. Access to firearms increases the risk of youth completed suicide, and firearm policies impact youth access to firearms. Missouri saw a 32% increase in youth suicide by firearms following changes in firearm laws. Healthcare providers can provide effective firearm safety counseling to youth and their families to mitigate this problem. Youth suicide is a public health issue. Firearm policies can affect youth firearms access. Clinicians have a unique opportunity and duty to understand relevant firearm laws, provide effective firearm safety counseling, and participate in advocacy efforts to reduce rates of youth suicide by firearms.