Credit: Bucks County
The goal, according to officials, is to provide lifesaving information directly to gun owners.
Bucks County officials announced a new initiative Wednesday that will pair suicide prevention resources with concealed carry permits.
The goal, according to officials, is to provide lifesaving information directly to gun owners.
Bucks County Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a Democrat, and Sheriff Fred Harran, a Republican, shared details of the initiative in a video message.
Included with every new and renewed concealed carry permit will be a suicide prevention card. The cards contain crucial information on how to recognize sudden overwhelming feelings of distress and encourage those experiencing such feelings to contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8.
Ellis-Marseglia, who has a background in social work and personally experienced the loss of a child to suicide, has been dedicated to the cause to preventing suicides.
“As a social worker, I’m concerned about people who feel suicidal. I also lost a child to suicide, so it’s something that’s very important to me,” Ellis-Marseglia said. “I’m glad to be able to partner with Sheriff Harran on this important effort.”
The announcement comes during Suicide Prevention Month.
Statistics show that men over 55 are the highest risk group for suicide, and access to firearms can significantly increase the risk, county officials said.
Harran, a 38-year veteran in law enforcement, shared his experiences with the intersection of firearms and mental health crises.
“I can’t even begin to count the amount of times that we had to tell a parent or a loved one that their loved one has died by firearm or suicide,” he said. “Call. We want to be here to help you in that time of crisis.”
For additional information on obtaining a concealed carry permit or to learn more about suicide prevention efforts in Bucks County, residents can visit the sheriff’s office website or the Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force.
