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September 16, 2024 - Harrisburg, PA

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Leads Conversation on Reducing Firearm Suicide Deaths in Pennsylvania

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis joined experts from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and CeaseFirePA Education Fund for a virtual "lunch and learn" session to discuss how to reduce firearm suicide deaths in the Commonwealth.

"We're taking a holistic approach to addressing the epidemic of gun violence - and that has to include the epidemic of firearm suicides, which represents the majority of gun deaths in Pennsylvania," said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who is also chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). "As we recognize Suicide Prevention Month, we must take action to prevent gun suicides. That includes investing in mental and behavioral health services, as well as pushing for commonsense gun safety laws, breaking the stigma about suicide and talking openly and honestly about how we can address this crisis."

The bipartisan 2024-25 state budget recently signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro provides an additional $20 million for county mental health programs, $5 million for crisis stabilization walk-in centers and makes available $100 million for mental health services and resources for K-12 schools.

Speakers Include:
Dr. Jay Breneman, Director of Firearm Suicide Prevention for CeaseFirePA Education Fund
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis
Samantha Bruno, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention