Letter to the editor: We must do more to prevent gun suicide

Take a moment and think about if your life has been impacted by suicide. Now imagine there was a way to prevent that loved one from taking their life. There are measures to prevent firearm suicide in our country that are not being taken.

Gun suicide is a massive public health issue. According to the CDC, gun suicide claims the lives of nearly 26,000 Americans each year. Solutions such as extreme risk laws, waiting periods for gun purchases and secure gun storage education can significantly reduce preventable deaths.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Allegheny County, and I unfortunately see the trauma of gun suicide play out on a regular basis. Our elected officials have the power to do more. As a member of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence, I urge you to reach out to your representatives to support laws currently held up in the Pennsylvania Legislature and implore them to do more. Our communities deserve better.

Mallory Beatty

Ross