Improving Secure Storage of Firearms to Reduce Suicide Deaths: A Hybrid Type 1 Implementation Effectiveness Randomized Controlled Trial of the Family Firearms Secure Storage Training (FFAST) Intervention
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Summary
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.
Description
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.…