VA Office of Research and Development
Firearms are the lethal means used in over 70% of Veteran suicides with rates of Veteran deaths via self-induced firearm injury rising dramatically (by 64.8%) from 2001 to 2022. Upstream, evidence-based lethal means safety interventions are urgently needed within the VA to address this serious issue. The Family Firearms Secure Storage Training (FFAST) intervention consists of single session in which Veterans and their concerned significant others (CSOs) are guided through a discussion on secure firearm storage practices and develop a safety plan to prepare them for a mental health crisis. This study aims to evaluate the relative effectiveness of FFAST against a control condition in promoting secure firearm storage planning, preparedness for a mental health crisis, and secure storage practices within Veterans and their CSOs. In addition, barriers and facilitating factors of implementing FFAST within the VA Caregiver Support Program and Suicide Prevention 2.0 will be examined to aid in the widespread adoption of FFAST across the VA.
Firearm injuries are the most common lethal means in Veteran suicides (73%; VA, 2024). Storing firearms unlocked and/or loaded is associated with greater risk for suicide via firearm. Time and distance from firearms are critical, especially when an individual may be experiencing a crisis exacerbated by an existing mental health condition. New suicide prevention interventions are needed that reach individuals before the onset of a mental health crisis, and Veterans indicate they desire to include a concerned significant other (CSO; e.g., family member, friend) in their suicide prevention care.…
Inclusion Criteria: Veteran Inclusion Criteria: 1. Enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in the VA healthcare system 2. enrolled in the Caregiver Program 3. able to comprehend the informed consent form and provide consent over the phone or via teleconference 4. firearm owner in which they report at least 1 firearm is currently located in the home and stored in an unsecure manner (e.g., unlocked and/or loaded) 5. an identifiable CSO enrolled in the VA CSP who agrees to participate 6. willing to participate in the follow-up 7. technology available to complete the appointment remotely (e.g., comp…
The intervention consists of a brief, single-session intervention where a Veteran and their CSO work together to create a secure storage plan for firearms in the home in the event the Veteran experiences a mental health crisis, and how the CSO can support the Veteran during a crisis. This intervention can be used by any Veteran who owns firearms, and neither the Veteran nor CSO need to be experiencing mental health symptoms to participate. The intervention serves as an upstream method of suicide prevention that can be delivered in-person, through a telehealth appointment, or over the phone.
HSC is a brief intervention where Veterans and their CSOs meet with an interventionist to learn how to support a Veteran's well-being. Areas include diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and other factors that may impact overall health.