Let’s Talk About Your Guns

As part of CSTS's efforts in understanding and intervening to prevent suicide and informed by the Center's STARRS study (Study to Address Risk and Resilience in Service Members)

Let’s Talk About Your Guns

How can we have open-minded talks about gun safety? It’s vital considering 40% of Americans have a gun at home. This series unpacks real-life scenarios around guns and suicide, dementia, children, health care workers, and more. Through stories and interviews, we offer practical and non-judgmental ways to talk about gun safety in tough situations. With the right tools, you can have conversations that meet people where they are. This isn’t a show about taking sides — it’s about saving lives.

Episode 1 -04: Doctors and Patients

Should gun safety be part of medical training? Most health care providers talk to patients about quitting smoking, but not firearm safety. Both are major causes of preventable death. We hear from Dr. Mary Campagnolo, a physician who wonders if a conversation about guns and safety would have prevented the suicide of a patient. We also talk to Dr Joseph Simonetti, a primary care physician, about ways for health care providers to have constructive conversations with patients about gun safety. Transcript of this episode can be found here. Transcript of this episode can be found here.

Episode 1 -03: Keeping Kids Safe

How do you talk to other parents about guns? We offer tips on how to have this vital conversation — one many parents overlook. From 2015-2020, there were at least 2100 unintentional shootings by children, 800 of them fatal. All of these incidents were preventable. Hear from District Attorney Matthew Weintraub as he shares the heart-wrenching story of 2-year-old Benjamin Smith who accidentally shot himself with a gun left on a nightstand. We also talk to Dr. Alison Tothy about safe gun practices in our own homes and in the homes of others. The takeaway is ASK: Asking Saves Kids. Transcript of this episode can be found here.

Episode 1 -02: Times of Crisis

What do you say to a loved one when you’re worried about their access to guns? What if you’re worried they may attempt suicide? Prevention starts with having a conversation about how to put barriers and time between a suicidal impulse and a fatal act. In this episode, we’ll talk with David McDaniel whose son tragically died by firearm suicide. We’ll also talk with Dr. Mike Anestis, a suicide and gun safety expert, who offers guidance on talking about alternative storage in times of crisis. Transcript of this episode can be found here.

Episode 1-01: Dementia and Gun Safety

There are proven ways to navigate dementia, aging and gun ownership. Hear the story of Karen Meushaw, who dealt firsthand with aging parents, dementia and firearms. We also get expert advice from  Dr. Emmy Betz, an ER physician and firearm safety researcher, who reveals what we know about older adults and gun safety. This episode will inform and empower families and friends with practical advice for tough conversations and ideas on how to plan ahead. Transcript of this episode can be found here.

Gun facts:

• Of 81 million gun owners in the US, one-third are over age 65.
• Cognitive, visual, or other impairments can affect the ability to safely maintain firearms.
• Family members and friends are typically the first to notice these changes.