My student's suicide made me an activist. Join me to help prevent suicide.

Spread the word about the 988 crisis line this Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. [Moms Demand Action]( Hi– I became a survivor of gun violence and suicide loss when a student of mine, Alex, died by firearm suicide in July 2020. His death was public and painfully seared in my memory. I stared at the gun lying on the ground next to us, pointed in our direction, terrified that it would go off again. Trained and confident in first aid, I got to work, but I knew that nothing I did would bring my student Alex back to life. This life-altering experience is why I went to work in suicide prevention and why I volunteer with Moms Demand Action. In the face of tragedy, I've found my purpose, voice, and passion. And we have so much more work to do. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Most gun deaths in the United States are by suicide—nearly six out of ten. Through policy change and supporting people in crisis, we can prevent suicides. There is hope. [White text over a purple and teal ombre background reads: If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 connection to free, confidential support anywhere in the US. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org]( I've seen myself how the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can save lives. You can call or text 988 or chat [988lifeline.org]( if you or someone you know is having a mental health, substance abuse, or suicidal crisis. 988 offers free 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help. And don't wait until you're on the brink of a struggle—you can call or text 988 whenever you need support. Talking openly about suicide and sharing resources is essential to ending the crisis. [Share our social media posts about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You could help save someone's life.]( [SHARE ON FACEBOOK]( [SHARE ON INSTAGRAM]( Changing our gun laws also helps prevent suicides—passing policies for secure gun storage, background checks on gun sales, and extreme risk protection orders to temporarily remove guns from someone in a crisis. All of these make guns less accessible to someone who's considering suicide. Most people who attempt suicide do not die—unless they use a gun. That second chance matters: The vast majority of people who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to die from a later attempt. The research shows that the difference between living to see a better day or dying by suicide is often determined by the presence of a gun. This is why, from school boards to statehouses to Congress, gun safety advocates like you and I are fighting to pass gun safety measures that give people that second chance. Friend, thank you for taking the time this Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to learn and spread the word about 988, and to hear mine and Alex's story. Your participation matters. Take good care, [A black and white photograph of Joel Kaskinen smiling, wearing a denim jacket and black jeans.]( Joel Kaskinen He/Him/His Volunteer, Moms Demand Action [White text over a purple and teal ombre background reads: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. More than half of gun deaths are by suicide. But with policy change and crisis support, there is hope. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for people in distress and their loved ones. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org]( Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots volunteer network of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. As a movement of Americans fighting for common-sense gun policies, we depend on contributions from supporters like you to fund important work to reduce gun violence. Contributions to Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund are not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense under IRC Section 162(e). A gift may qualify you for annual membership in the Action Fund. [DONATE]( [Facebook]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( This email was sent to {EMAIL}. To unsubscribe from Everytown and Moms Demand Action, please [click here](.